Quiz: The Origins and Popularity of Christmas Trees in the English-speaking World

Christmas tree and decorations (dszc from Getty Images Signature)

Learn how the Christmas tree became a symbol of joy and togetherness in the English-speaking world. Explore the tradition of decorating Christmas trees. From candles to dazzling lights, Christmas tree decorations have come a long way. 

Do you know who introduced the first Christmas tree to the United Kingdom?
Have you ever wondered how the Christmas tree became an American holiday staple?

Dive into the history of this evergreen tradition — download our PDFs for the full story! 



QUIZ TIME! 



Multiple-choice quiz ​


1. Where did the tradition of decorating Christmas trees first begin? 
  A. Germany 
  B. France 
  C. Italy 
  D. the United States 

2. What was the first Christmas tree decoration recorded in Freiburg in 1419? 
  A. Gingerbread 
  B. Tinsel 
  C. Paper ornaments 
  D. Lights 

3. Who is typically credited with starting the tradition of decorating Christmas trees? 
  A. Queen Victoria 
  B. Martin Luther 
  C. Prince Albert 
  D. Queen Charlotte 

4. In which century did the tradition of the Christmas tree, as we know it today, start? 
  A. 15th century 
  B. 16th century 
  C. 17th century 
  D. 18th century 

5. What did Martin Luther decorate the tree with to recreate the beauty he saw? 
  A. Tinsel and ornaments 
  B. Ribbon garlands 
  C. Lit candles 
  D. Fruits and nuts 

6. Which royal figure is claimed to have introduced the first Christmas tree to Britain? 
  A. Queen Victoria 
  B. Prince Albert 
  C. Queen Charlotte 
  D. King George III 

7. What did the first Christmas tree in Britain spark among the nobility? 
  A. A new holiday 
  B. A new tradition 
  C. A new decorating idea 
  D. A new royal decree 

8. Who popularized the Christmas tree tradition in the English-speaking world? 
  A. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert 
  B. King George III and Queen Charlotte 
  C. FW Woolworth 
  D. Martin Luther 

9. What helped Christmas trees become more popular in the United States? 
  A. Royal family gatherings 
  B. Pagan rituals 
  C. Illustrated London News images 
  D. Christmas carols 

10. What is the name of the famous Christmas tree in New York City? 
  A. Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree 
  B. London Christmas Tree 
  C. Times Square Christmas Tree 
  D. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 

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Get the answers here. 



True-or-false test 

1. The tradition of bringing evergreens into the home during the winter solstice dates back to ancient Egypt and Rome. 
  True 
  False 

2. Martin Luther is credited with starting the tradition of decorating Christmas trees. 
  True 
  False 

3. Queen Victoria was the first to introduce Christmas trees to Britain. 
  True 
  False 

4. Queen Charlotte introduced the first Christmas tree to Britain after marrying King George III.
  True 
  False 

5. The first Christmas trees were decorated in France. 
  True 
  False 

6. The first Christmas trees were decorated in Germany in the 19th century. 
  True 
  False 

7. The first Christmas trees were decorated with glass baubles in the 16th century. 
  True 
  False 

8. The use of glass baubles for Christmas tree decorations dates back to the mid-19th century. 
  True 
  False 

9. Christmas trees were widely accepted in the United States from the beginning due to their popularity. 
  True 
  False 

10. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is located in New York City. 
  True 
  False 

GET THE ANSWERS HERE.

The answers can be accessed via Google Drive. Click to download immediately.

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