The symbolic Christmas tree, gifted by the people of Norway, has made its annual arrival in Trafalgar Square.

Since 1947, Norway has sent this special tree to Britain in gratitude for its support during World War Two.

Standing nearly 20 meters tall, the approximately 70-year-old Norwegian spruce was carefully selected as the "queen of the forest" from woodlands near Oslo. In a ceremonial event held in November, attended by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Patricia McAllister, the spruce was felled, earning praise for its spectacular appearance.

The process of erecting the tree requires a hydraulic crane and specialized expertise. Following Norwegian tradition, the Christmas lights will be hung vertically on the tree, using energy-efficient bulbs that will illuminate the tree during a ceremony scheduled for Thursday, 7 December.

The meticulous selection of the tree occurs months before its felling. Ms. McAllister, who participated in cutting down the tree in Oslo, expressed her awe at the sight and emotion of the event. "Seeing the tree hoisted after standing for the last 70 years was astonishing and emotional," she remarked. "It truly is a stunning tree."

While past trees from Norway have received mixed reactions, some being labeled as "sparse" or "anaemic," the Norwegian foresters overseeing the selection of this particular tree hail it as the epitome of forest royalty.

In a charming tradition, every year, The Poetry Society commissions a poem about the Oslo Christmas Tree. This year's poem, "T for Tree" by Isabel Galleymore, tailored for children, will be recited during the tree-lighting ceremony.

The majestic spruce will grace Trafalgar Square until the 5th of January, after which it will be chipped and composted, closing another chapter in this heartwarming annual tradition. Photo by Øyvind Holmstad, Wikimedia commons.