Trafalgar Square’s Christmas Tree has come in for a lot of criticism since it was unveiled2, but one Norwegian man has come out to defend the tree.
Since it was erected, the tree has been the butt of many jokes from people on social media and even Westminster council due to its threadbare branches.
Taking to Twitter, the council said: ““I would like everyone to know that half of my branches are not missing… They are social distancing.”
READ MORE: Trafalgar Square Christmas tree’s missing branches are ‘social distancing’
But one Norwegian man has stuck up for the tree and provided some heartwarming context of how it came to be in London.
Every year since 1947, a 20-metre tall tree gets shipped from Oslo to London as a sign of gratitude for Britain’s support during World War II.
Commenting underneath a post that had attracted a host of derision for the tree, Thomas Wolski explained how special the tradition was for Norway.
He said: “I was there 2 weeks ago for the tree felling ceremony, a very proud moment for me but also Norway.
“We must always remember why this happens, also you’d probably need to drop out a little on one side if you weighed several tons and had a 2-week journey. It’s Christmas people.”
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Thomas’ earnest defence of Piney was warmly received by Londoners who asked him for more information on how the tree was selected.
He explained: “They tend to select them years in advance, this Norwegian spruce is how they actually look, it’s not a fir tree as I think this is what confuses people.
“Also the vertical lighting is traditional in Norway I believe. This particular tree is approx 70 years old!”
The tree is set to be decorated tonight (December 2) and to be officially lit up by the lord mayor of Westminster.
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