Question of the week: What's one of your favourite thing about Christmas in London? "As you walk across Trafalgar Square, you may notice a huge tree has recently been set up in the middle and covered with lights. Each year since 1947 a similar tree has been given by the Norwegian people to the people of London for the help the British gave Norway during World War II. Each year, a member of the Norwegian royal family comes to light the tree to show the gratitude that is still felt by Norwegians for Allied help against the Nazis.
The tree is chosen months (or years) in advance from the forests around Oslo, felled ceremoniously in the presence of the Lord Mayor of London, the British Ambassador to Norway and the Mayor of Oslo, and then transported by sea to Britain. It is decorated in Norwegian style (vertical strings of lights), and is kept up until 12th Night when it is taken down and recycled.
I recommend enjoying London's Christmas tree while you're here, as it's so close to the London Centre, and it is such a meaningful gift between the people of two nations."
- Kris
(NB, the program of daily carol singing at the foot of the tree can be found here.)
* Photo by Verseguru, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.
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