The Christmas tree experienced a burst of popularity in 1848, when Britain’s Queen Victoria and Prince Albert decorated a tree as part of their holiday celebrations at Windsor Castle. Since then, the Christmas tree has become a common sight in homes and city centers around the world, serving as cheery and bright reminders that the life can flourish — even during the cold, dark nights of winter. This year, the Huffington Post included Bethlehem’s Christmas tree on its list of the 20 “Most Extravagant and Creative Christmas Trees of 2015.”
The photo below shows Christian Palestinians attending the lighting of Bethlehem’s Christmas tree in Manger Square, outside the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank. Christmas Eve is a major event for the biblical town, but Mayor Vera Baboun said the city would scale back decorations this year to honor those affected by the recent violence in Palestine.
To see other Christmas trees from around the world, click here.
Source: Huffington Post
