Tree looks “anemic”
British dissatisifed with Norwegian Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square
Photo: Victoria Jones / PA via AP
The 2019 Norwegian tree at Trafalgar Square.
Norway Today
The British are dissatisfied with the Norwegian Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, calling it “sparse” and “anemic.”
Every year since 1947, Norway has given a Christmas tree as a gift to the British. The tree has always stood in Trafalgar Square in London.
This year, the British are unhappy with the tree they have been given. On social media, many have been harsh with criticism. Several call it “sad,” and “embarrassing,” because the tree is so sparse.
It was the BBC who first mentioned the criticism.
The tree is 79 feet high. It was felled at Trollvann in Oslo on Nov. 19.
The British ambassador to Norway, Richard Wood, defends the tree.
“It’s how a 90-year-old, 25-meter tall tree looks out in the open,” Wood says, according to the BBC.
The first tree was a gift from King Haakon VII to the British, who thanked him for fleeing to Britain during World War II.
“It is more important to think about the symbolism of the tree than to count how many branches it has,” says Wood.
The council of Westminster also calls the tree a generous gift.
This article was originally published on Norway Today.
This article originally appeared in the December 13, 2019, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
