if you are a Christian, what do you think about the pagan tradition of a holiday tree?

and if you are a Pagan, what do you think about the Christians using an evergreen tree as a symbol of their Christmas celebration?

I like to think of the evergreen tree we bring into our home, and glibly refer to as a Christmas tree though we are not Christians, as a pagan symbol of the solstice. It seems, however, that the lines are a little more blurry. Many older cultures around the world brought trees or branches or green leaves inside on the winter solstice as a celebration of the return of life as winter begins to wane.

Some scholars have put forth the idea that Christians co-opted this pagan symbol as a way to get more pagans to adopt Christianity. That seems believable. Perhaps early Christians had other reasons for using evergreen boughs or trees as a symbol during their winter holiday celebrations. It seems it was a common practice in many traditions.

took this just now, she wouldn’t smile for the camera

To me, our Christmas tree is my favorite Christmas/Solstice tradition. It’s a symbol of nature’s bounty to provide for all our needs, all year round. The Christmas tree is much appreciated by our house pet, Babs the bunny also. She likes to nibble the lower branches, drink water from the tree stand, and nap under the tree. She might be mystified by our habit of bringing a tree into the house for just one month each year, but she loves it all the same.

Do you celebrate a winter holiday with an evergreen tree in your house? What does it symbolize to you?