Christmas trees come in all shapes and sizes. Some are tall and skinny, while others are short and stout. The full, round trees are often referred to as “fat Christmas trees.” But is there an official term for these festive firs? As an SEO writer assistant, I did some quick research to get to the bottom of this Christmas tree question.
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The Origins of Christmas Trees
Before we can name the fat Christmas trees, we first need to understand the history behind Christmas trees. There are a few legends about how the tradition began:
The Paradise Tree Legend
One legend claims that in the Middle Ages, religious plays were performed depicting Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden and the Paradise Tree. The Paradise Tree represented the Garden of Eden and was often hung with apples. Over time, this tree evolved into the Christmas tree we know today.
The Martin Luther Legend
Another well-known legend credits 16th-century Protestant reformer Martin Luther with first adding lighted candles to an evergreen tree. Walking home one winter evening, Luther was struck by the beauty of the starry sky shining between the branches of a fir tree. He wanted to recreate the magical scene for his family, so he attached lighted candles to the tree’s branches.
The Livonian Tradition
In parts of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, locals decorated evergreen trees in December long before the spread of Christianity. The Livonians used to take evergreens indoors and hang them from the ceiling, not placing them upright on the floor as we do today. They decorated the tree with paper, apples, and homemade toys.
When Did Christmas Trees Become Popular?
While ancient cultures like the Livonians, and perhaps Martin Luther, had early versions of the Christmas tree, the tradition didn’t spread widely across Europe until the 19th century. Germany gets credit for making Christmas trees popular thanks to some key moments in history:
Royalty Setting Trends
In the early 1800s, the German royal family decorated Christmas trees, instantly making them fashionable across Europe. Even Queen Victoria and Prince Albert brought the tradition to England after their marriage in 1840.
Christmas Tree Farms
Germany also made Christmas trees accessible to all by starting tree farms. Prior to tree farms, families would have to forage in the woods for an evergreen fir or pine. Farms made it easy for anyone to chop down a tree or buy an already-cut tree for their home.
Inexpensive Ornaments
German manufacturers also made ornaments more affordable. Instead of expensive handmade decorations, factories churned out beautiful glass balls and tin garlands so most families could decorate their trees elaborately.
When Did Christmas Trees Arrive in America?
German immigrants brought the Christmas tree tradition to America in the 1800s. Pennsylvania Germans are believed to be the first to display Christmas trees in their homes in America.
But there was some pushback initially from more puritanical Americans who saw Christmas trees as too pagan. It wasn’t until 1846 that Christmas trees really took off across the pond. That’s when sketches of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their Christmas tree at Windsor Castle were reprinted in American publications like Godey’s Lady Book. Once again, the royal seal of approval made Christmas trees fashionable.
By the 1890s, Christmas ornaments were being mass-produced in America, making decorative trees affordable for everyone. Retail stores would even display elaborately decorated Christmas trees in their show windows to attract customers. And local tree lots sprang up across America offering inexpensive firs for families’ holiday celebrations.
What Makes a Christmas Tree Fat?
Now that we’ve traced the origins and rise of the Christmas tree tradition, we can get to our original question. What exactly makes a Christmas tree fat?
There are a few factors that contribute to a tree’s full, fat shape:
Tree Species
Certain species of Christmas trees tend to have a rounder, fuller shape. Balsam firs, Fraser firs, and noble firs are all known for being plump, fat trees. Their branching pattern and needle distribution cause them to grow very full.
Age
Older Christmas trees are usually rounder and fuller than younger ones. A tree can take up to 10 years reach 6-7 feet tall. The older and taller the tree, the more time it’s had to become fat and bushy.
Growing Conditions
Ideal soil, sunlight, moisture, and spacing will produce the fullest, fattest Christmas trees. Christmas tree farmers use the best practices to ensure their trees have optimal growing conditions year after year.
Trimming
Regular shearing or trimming of a Christmas tree promotes bushy new growth. Christmas tree farmers methodically trim their trees to get the signature fat cone shape.
What Are Fat Christmas Trees Officially Called?
Now for the answer you’ve been waiting for! Here are some of the official terms used to describe full, fat Christmas trees:
Full Christmas Trees
The most generic term is simply “full Christmas trees.” Full refers to the tree’s dense, plump silhouette compared to sparse or thin trees.
Flocked Christmas Trees
Flocked Christmas trees are coated in a layer of fake snow for a fuller appearance. The fuzzy white coating adheres to every branch, filling out the tree’s shape.
Frosted Christmas Trees
Frosted is another term for flocked Christmas trees covered in fake snow. The frosty coating makes the tree look stuffed and chubby.
Santa’s Trees
Since Santa Claus is rather plump and full himself, round, fat Christmas trees are jokingly referred to as “Santa’s trees.” The connection implies the tree has a similar silhouette to jolly old St. Nick.
Deluxe or Premium Christmas Trees
Full, shapely trees are often given titles like “deluxe” or “premium.” Their picturesque form warrants a top-shelf description.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Full Christmas Trees | Refers to a dense, plump silhouette |
| Flocked Christmas Trees | Coated in fake snow for a fuller look |
| Frosted Christmas Trees | Another term for flocked Christmas trees |
| Santa’s Trees | A joking reference to Santa’s plump shape |
| Deluxe/Premium Trees | Indicates picture-perfect, full shape |
Should You Get a Fat Christmas Tree?
If you’re looking for that quintessential full, Christmas tree shape, then a fat fir is certainly the way to go. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Instant holiday ambiance
- Classic Christmas tree aesthetic
- Bushy, easy to decorate
- More space for ornaments
Cons
- Typically more expensive
- Need more decorations to fill tree out
- Can make room feel smaller
- Shedding needles get messy
Whether you decide to deck your halls with a fat Christmas tree or not, you now have all the facts on what these festive firs are officially called. A fat tree instantly becomes the star of your Christmas decor. But a slim tree can still twinkle with holiday magic when trimmed with care. Whatever tree you choose, here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Conclusion
In summary, full, round Christmas trees are most commonly referred to as “fat Christmas trees” or “full Christmas trees.” Specific types like flocked, frosted, deluxe, and premium Christmas trees also indicate a lush, plump silhouette. While younger trees tend to be skinnier, older mature trees usually have time to fill out to a fat, jolly form. Optimal growing conditions and regular trimming also produce the signature fat cone shape. Fat Christmas trees offer an instant feeling of holiday cheer but require more decorations and can feel cluttered in smaller spaces. Whether you deck your halls with a fat fir or prefer a slimTYPE spor, any Christmas tree can sparkle with enough holiday spirit.