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Brits Can’t Contain Their Laughter After Norway Sent Them Their Special Christmas Tree (24 Reactions)
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Brits Can’t Contain Their Laughter After Norway Sent Them Their Special Christmas Tree (24 Reactions)

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Every year since 1947, Norway, or more precisely, the city of Oslo, has gifted a Christmas tree to the UK to put up in Trafalgar Square. The gesture is made to express their gratitude for being allies during World War II.

It’s a beautiful tradition symbolizing solidarity and friendship; however, in the last few years, Brits have been kind of underwhelmed by the trees Norway has gifted them. And this year they had a pretty strong reaction to it.

People were pointing out that the tree has sparse branches and looks like it’s suffering. We invite you to look at the best reactions Twitter users had and at the end of the article, you’ll see what the Trafalgar Square Tree had to say for itself.

More info: Twitter

When Londoners saw the Christmas Tree that Norway gifted them, they were disappointed, but it didn’t make their sense of humor go away

Image credits: danbarker

Image credits: danbarker

The Christmas tree in London’s Trafalgar Square is lit up every year on the first Thursday of December and is displayed there until 6 January. The tree comes bare, but London decorates it in a traditional Norwegian style, meaning the lights are put up vertically.

This year’s lighting ceremony takes place on 2 December and will include speeches from the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayor of Oslo. People who come to see it lit up will enjoy performances from the Salvation Army, the Poetry Society and The Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields and reading from young ambassadors from Westminster Befriend a Family.

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People were poking fun at how sad the tree looks as it seems it’s missing branches

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The first time a Christmas tree was sent to the UK was actually in 1942. Norway’s king Haakon VII was in exile in Great Britain trying to rule his country from London during the years of German occupation. Because he was in the UK, Norway transported a Christmas tree there as a gift for him, but now it’s meant for the city.

The main joke was that they were still waiting for the rest of it

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Twitter users couldn’t help but insert some Brexit jokes as for some it was a victory, but for others it was an embarrassment

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Actually there is a plaque at the base of the tree that says, “This tree is given by the city of Oslo as a token of Norwegian gratitude to the people of London for their assistance during the years 1940-45. A tree has been given annually since 1947.”

The Christmas tree that is meant to be put up in Trafalgar Square is chosen months in advance, sometimes even years. They cut a tree from the forests surrounding Oslo, it is cut down some time in November, and there is a whole ceremony with the British Ambassador to Norway, Mayor of Oslo, and Lord Mayor of Westminster attending it. The Christmas tree is typically a Norway Spruce that has lived for 50-60 years and is about 20 meters (65.6 feet) tall.

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Even though it is a gift from Norway, people didn’t let that stop them from roasting it

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Then it is shipped to the UK by sea, later transported to its spot in London by a lorry. As mentioned, the tree remains in Trafalgar Square until just before the Twelfth Night of Christmas. When it is taken down, it is then recycled by chipping and composting to make mulch.

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Norway has actually gifted a tree every year since 1947 as a token of gratitude for the help during WWII

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It’s the 74th time the tree has been received as a gift, so it has become the start of the countdown to Christmas for Londoners. However, for the last few years, they’ve felt like the accent of the Square is too underwhelming. That is evident from the reactions when they saw the tree being put in place before the ceremony of lighting it.

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One Twitter user, Dan Barker, put up a photo of the sad-looking tree and announced that it has arrived. People were quick to react and filled the comments with sharp remarks.

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Some people saw a metaphor in the poor state of the tree which reflected the difficult year the UK endured

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Many people were joking that it seemed that a part of the tree was missing and they should wait for the other parts to come in. Others were jokingly concerned that the Norwegians are mad at them for some reason.

Of course, Twitter users couldn’t forget the jokes about Brexit and customs. They were saying that the tree is a good metaphor for last year being horrible in general for the country.

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Though people laugh, it is still a beautiful gesture reminding people of how united they were when the world was falling apart

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If you didn’t know, you will be delighted to learn that the tree has its own Twitter account. It saw Dan Baker’s tweet and the comments people made. It addressed the lack of branches by saying that they are social distancing and that it stands in Trafalgar Square to commemorate the true friendship between two countries and not for being mocked on Twitter.

The Trafalgar Square Tree itself said that it’s the thought and meaning that counts

Image credits: trafalgartree

Image credits: trafalgartree

Image credits: trafalgartree

It does have a point, the tree is not just a gift but a reminder that when bad times come, people are there for each other and that should be celebrated even through better times. It’s nice that Norway still continues the tradition and it’s unfortunate that the tree might have suffered a little bit in the journey. And also, you don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

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keith-johnson avatar
KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "did they order it from wish" tweet cracked me up, useless website just sends out whatever they feel like.

boredpanda_48 avatar
ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I use it a lot. You just have to make sure to not order clothes, shoes, or memory-storage (SSD, flashdisks, etc). Faux jewelry, posters, t-shirts, badges, etc. are ok.

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ng avatar
carolineweston avatar
Saxophone
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

This comment has been deleted.

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veni_vidi_vicky avatar
Vicky Zar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a saying in Germany. "You do not look into the mouth of a gifted horse" meaning "a present is a present. Appreciate it"

remiflynne avatar
Remi Flynne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Natural trees are rarely a perfect shape and may well have bits missing. Who cares - it's Christmas! 🌲🎄. So, genuinely, thank you very much to lovely Norway. Regarding the Brexit comment - surely Norway is not especially bothered? They have their own negotiations with the EU to be involved in and I read that Brexit made them rethink their situation to some extent. Is that the case dear Norwegian Pandas?

griffinx avatar
Fluffy Griffin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've got two giant pine trees in my tiny yard that look better then this lol. In a country covered in trees they have to have better. This is just making some kind of statement, or maybe has sentimental value...? Orrrr maybe it was a tree intentionally planted for this event and just didn't turn out right and they said fk it?

Load More Replies...
anjelabarranco5 avatar
Anjelika
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The christmas tree Twitter account is very cute Stop making fun of it, it's going to have the last laugh 😉

bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm quite sure that this tree is a result of "F*ck my job." From all parties involved.

aubergine10003 avatar
aubergine10003
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Rockefeller Center tree always looks scraggly and weird when it arrives too... and then they fill it in somehow and then it looks fine.

dmarsh avatar
Daniel Marsh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sad that it took this American several looks to realize that's Admiral Nelson's column behind it, not one hell of a tree-topper.

perstephone29 avatar
Persephone
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd hate to see the 1 they'd send us... In the US.. Jk. We don't deserve 1.

donnamartin avatar
PupperPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We (Brits) really do appreciate the tree. We'd just appreciate it more if they'd sent the whole tree.

rix_1 avatar
Arenite
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, this is all that's left after you cut down the 80 year old trees that are full, bushy, and hives of life.

bobbiemeyers avatar
Bobbie Meyers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had a tree like that once. It was full and beautiful. Then Mom drug it down the mountain behind the snowmobile.🤣

griffinx avatar
Fluffy Griffin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We always had a real tree when I was younger. Originally we would go to a tree farm, but when we moved to a house with 7 acres, my dad planted pine trees specifically for Christmas. Unfortunately, he didn't do any maintenance work, so the trees always ended up super scraggly and patchy, sorta like this one. 😂 we usually added extra lights (like, a lot) so it still looked pretty. Looking at the lighted pics for this tree.... They need to triple the amount of lights. Maybe they are going for a Charlie Brown tree look?

emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe Boris used it to scratch his backside before they put it in the square. "Can I touch the tree mummy?" "Better not, dear. It's 'tainted'."

baconycakes1337 avatar
Bacony Cakes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There isn't any coal. Germany's mining it all to make electricity.

asteidl15 avatar
lazy panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe it's just the modern version of the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree?

tianarandazzo avatar
Anita Pickle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it is nice that they used a tree that is not that lush and suitable for many birds.

naschi avatar
Na Schi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"HAPPY BREXITMAS" this comment got my laughing out loud. Funny to see, as an EU-European, how the UK also failed to make friends with our allied European states.

vickyz avatar
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Message of the gift is clear: merry Christmas and f**k you sincerely

juniperbushes avatar
Gin
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

thymianne avatar
White Wolf
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's the saying "Never look a gift horse in the mouth", so let me introduce you the "Never check a gift tree its branches"

sharonchance avatar
Chancey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess they were jealous of the Time Square tree in NYC last year.

norsepaw avatar
Sivi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Think Oslo need to look for trees in other part of Norway.

suzannehaigh avatar
Tee Witt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Living in the UK this is the first I have heard of it. Personally I think Norway is being exceedingly childish. If this is the thanks we get for our actions around war time perhaps we should send some ??? Unless this is an example of the poor quality they grow in Norway now?

cybermerlin2000 avatar
cybermerlin2000
Community Member
2 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

It's the tree we get since Brexit. Europe has not been happy about the UK leaving and ever since we left have been throwing whatever they can at us in contempt. To be honest, both sides handled Brexit so badly that I would feel safer getting a vasectomy by a tag team of Freddy Krueger and Edward Scissorhands, on a train, travelling at 180mph in the dark with no suspension

wh4ok avatar
Jon S.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My first thought was 'Brexit revenge' but then I remembered Norway isn't even in the EU.

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keith-johnson avatar
KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "did they order it from wish" tweet cracked me up, useless website just sends out whatever they feel like.

boredpanda_48 avatar
ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I use it a lot. You just have to make sure to not order clothes, shoes, or memory-storage (SSD, flashdisks, etc). Faux jewelry, posters, t-shirts, badges, etc. are ok.

Load More Replies...
ng avatar
carolineweston avatar
Saxophone
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

This comment has been deleted.

Load More Replies...
veni_vidi_vicky avatar
Vicky Zar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a saying in Germany. "You do not look into the mouth of a gifted horse" meaning "a present is a present. Appreciate it"

remiflynne avatar
Remi Flynne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Natural trees are rarely a perfect shape and may well have bits missing. Who cares - it's Christmas! 🌲🎄. So, genuinely, thank you very much to lovely Norway. Regarding the Brexit comment - surely Norway is not especially bothered? They have their own negotiations with the EU to be involved in and I read that Brexit made them rethink their situation to some extent. Is that the case dear Norwegian Pandas?

griffinx avatar
Fluffy Griffin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've got two giant pine trees in my tiny yard that look better then this lol. In a country covered in trees they have to have better. This is just making some kind of statement, or maybe has sentimental value...? Orrrr maybe it was a tree intentionally planted for this event and just didn't turn out right and they said fk it?

Load More Replies...
anjelabarranco5 avatar
Anjelika
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The christmas tree Twitter account is very cute Stop making fun of it, it's going to have the last laugh 😉

bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm quite sure that this tree is a result of "F*ck my job." From all parties involved.

aubergine10003 avatar
aubergine10003
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Rockefeller Center tree always looks scraggly and weird when it arrives too... and then they fill it in somehow and then it looks fine.

dmarsh avatar
Daniel Marsh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sad that it took this American several looks to realize that's Admiral Nelson's column behind it, not one hell of a tree-topper.

perstephone29 avatar
Persephone
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd hate to see the 1 they'd send us... In the US.. Jk. We don't deserve 1.

donnamartin avatar
PupperPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We (Brits) really do appreciate the tree. We'd just appreciate it more if they'd sent the whole tree.

rix_1 avatar
Arenite
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, this is all that's left after you cut down the 80 year old trees that are full, bushy, and hives of life.

bobbiemeyers avatar
Bobbie Meyers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had a tree like that once. It was full and beautiful. Then Mom drug it down the mountain behind the snowmobile.🤣

griffinx avatar
Fluffy Griffin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We always had a real tree when I was younger. Originally we would go to a tree farm, but when we moved to a house with 7 acres, my dad planted pine trees specifically for Christmas. Unfortunately, he didn't do any maintenance work, so the trees always ended up super scraggly and patchy, sorta like this one. 😂 we usually added extra lights (like, a lot) so it still looked pretty. Looking at the lighted pics for this tree.... They need to triple the amount of lights. Maybe they are going for a Charlie Brown tree look?

emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe Boris used it to scratch his backside before they put it in the square. "Can I touch the tree mummy?" "Better not, dear. It's 'tainted'."

baconycakes1337 avatar
Bacony Cakes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There isn't any coal. Germany's mining it all to make electricity.

asteidl15 avatar
lazy panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe it's just the modern version of the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree?

tianarandazzo avatar
Anita Pickle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it is nice that they used a tree that is not that lush and suitable for many birds.

naschi avatar
Na Schi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"HAPPY BREXITMAS" this comment got my laughing out loud. Funny to see, as an EU-European, how the UK also failed to make friends with our allied European states.

vickyz avatar
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Message of the gift is clear: merry Christmas and f**k you sincerely

juniperbushes avatar
Gin
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

thymianne avatar
White Wolf
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's the saying "Never look a gift horse in the mouth", so let me introduce you the "Never check a gift tree its branches"

sharonchance avatar
Chancey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess they were jealous of the Time Square tree in NYC last year.

norsepaw avatar
Sivi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Think Oslo need to look for trees in other part of Norway.

suzannehaigh avatar
Tee Witt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Living in the UK this is the first I have heard of it. Personally I think Norway is being exceedingly childish. If this is the thanks we get for our actions around war time perhaps we should send some ??? Unless this is an example of the poor quality they grow in Norway now?

cybermerlin2000 avatar
cybermerlin2000
Community Member
2 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

It's the tree we get since Brexit. Europe has not been happy about the UK leaving and ever since we left have been throwing whatever they can at us in contempt. To be honest, both sides handled Brexit so badly that I would feel safer getting a vasectomy by a tag team of Freddy Krueger and Edward Scissorhands, on a train, travelling at 180mph in the dark with no suspension

wh4ok avatar
Jon S.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My first thought was 'Brexit revenge' but then I remembered Norway isn't even in the EU.

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