If you're interested in adding an unusual twist to your holiday décor, consider purchasing an upside down Christmas tree.
The History of the Upside Down Christmas Tree
Although upside down trees are currently being advertised as novelty items, they actually have quite a long history. In the Middle Ages, it was common for Europeans to hang their Christmas trees upside down. The upside down tree was said to represent the Holy Trinity.
Upside down Christmas trees gradually fell out of favor after the 1600s. Demand only began to increase in the late 1990s, after upscale retailers started using the unusual trees as part of their holiday displays in an effort to preserve more floor space for Christmas merchandise. Customers liked the look so well that they started asking how they could purchase upside down trees for their own homes.
However, the upside down Christmas tree does have its critics. Some conservative Christians feel the upside down tree is disrespectful, since a Christmas tree is traditionally shaped with the tip pointing to heaven. In fact, there are some people who think this fad is borderline sacrilegious, since the upside down Christmas tree has its tip pointing toward hell.
Advantages of an Upside Down Tree
History aside, why would you want to buy an upside down Christmas tree? Despite their unusual appearance, the trees offer several advantages over the conventional artificial Christmas tree. For example:
- There's more room to display Christmas gifts. This can be a serious asset if you're giving a computer, a new television, or other large items.
- It showcases your ornaments. If you have a large collection of Hallmark Christmas ornaments or other special keepsakes, an upside down Christmas tree is an excellent choice.
- They're great for families with pets or small children. With an upside down tree, most of your breakable glass ornaments can be kept safely out of reach.
- The tree takes up less space than a traditional Christmas tree, making it a practical choice for anyone who lives in an apartment or is lacking the floor space for a full holiday display.
- It's a great conversation piece. Since upside down Christmas trees are still a relatively new trend, your tree is guaranteed to be the talk of your holiday party.
Buying an Upside Down Tree
If you're interested in purchasing an upside down Christmas tree, you might have to be patient. Since the trees are so popular, they often sell out as fast as stores can stock them. However, the following websites might be a good place to begin your search:
If you decide to purchase your upside down tree online, remember to factor shipping costs into your budget. Since Christmas trees can be quite heavy and bulky, shipping fees can easily add a substantial amount to your purchase.
