Heigh ho! sing heigh ho! unto the green holly,

Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly.

Then heigh ho, the holly!

This life is most jolly!

Song of the Holly by William Shakespeare

The Christmas tree is often explained as a Christianization of pagan tradition and ritual surrounding the Winter Solstice, which included the use of evergreen boughs, and an adaptation of pagan tree worship. Christian tradition associates the holly tree with the crown of thorns, and says that its leaves were white until stained red by the blood of Christ. It is believed that the Romans were the first to hang wreaths on their doors as a symbol of victory in battles and evergreens were placed inside homes to remind people that spring is coming.

By the Georgian and Regency Eras, some homes had a kissing bough hung over a doorway or a chandelier. A kissing bough was constructed from evergreens and decorated with apples, paper flowers, or dolls which represented Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus and was held together by ribbon and wire.

In Europe, Christmas occurred during the middle of winter, when ghosts and demons could be heard howling in the winter winds. Boughs of holly, believed to have magical powers since they remained green through the harsh winter, were often placed over the doors of homes to drive evil away. Greenery was also brought indoors to freshen the air and brighten the mood during the long, dreary winter and to represent everlasting life and hope for the return of spring.

Though this custom was well known across Europe, South America, and other countries for many centuries,  the custom didn’t become popular in North America until the 1800s. Churches were decorated with holly, fir etc. and mistletoe was hung from the roof, walls, pews, and pulpit. Lavender, rose petals, rosemary and bay were scattered for scent. Legend also has it that holly sprang from the footsteps of Christ as he walked the earth. The pointed leaves were said to represent the crown of thorns Christ wore while on the cross and the red berries symbolized the blood he shed.

• • Holly: The most traditional greenery in both green and variegated. Female plants display bright red berries.
• • Junipers: Fragrant, short, green or silver-blue foliage that may be adorned with small blue berries.
• • Spruce:  Branches have short, sharp needles suitable for wreaths. Blue spruce is especially attractive. 
• • Boxwood:  Small leafed shrub with strong aroma used for wreaths and garland. 
• • Cedars:  Beautiful fragrance associated with Christmas. 
• • Firs: A wonderful scent and short flat needles

In Northern Europe Christmas occurred during the middle of winter, when ghosts and demons could be heard howling in the winter winds. Boughs of holly, believed to have magical powers since they remained green through the harsh winter, were often placed over the doors of homes to drive evil away. Greenery was also brought indoors to freshen the air and brighten the mood during the long, dreary winter.