Norway’s Carried Christmas Tree Gets Unexpected Chuckles
What Happened?
Every year, a grand Norwegian spruce is cut down outside Oslo and shipped to London’s Trafalgar Square, a festive tribute to WWII camaraderie. On Thursday, the 24‑metre gift stumped locals and social‑media users alike because the tree wasn’t looking its best. Some branches fell short, the growth was uneven, and a few defectors silently screamed “meh”.
The Unplanned Party Crashers
- Broken branches flagged by Reuters photos
- Half‑grown side left looking a tad “beardless”
- Unclear when the damage happened – could have been during the “shipping ballet” or a sneaky earthquake
People’s Quick Reactions
The internet erupted, with people dropping tweets ranging from “threadbare” to “half‑dead” and even wondering if it’s down with COVID. Some joked the tree was a joke by Norwegians, a “modern British decline mockery”, or simply a poor sock gift by a relative who doesn’t like you anymore.
Not All Trolled
- James Carberry (70) on Trafalgar Square: “Looks like last year’s tree.”
- Some felt it was “a bit sparse”, feeling perhaps a minimalist aesthetic.
- Banner on Twitter: “Yeah.” – a succinct yet sociable nod.
- Others: “It’s the thought that counts.” – a nice reminder that sentiment matters more than shape.
Reply from the Great White North
Mayor Marianne Borgen from Oslo steered a calm, diplomatic message. She repeated that the spruce is a living gift from a forest, born of gratitude and friendship. “It’s a love tree, a gift of hope and peace,” she said. “When the lights glow, that message should shine through, not the cracks.”
What London’s Lord Mayor Says
Andrew Smith: “I get the rapid judgments online. But believe us, the lights will bring out the magic to make Westminster look even more festive.”
Trust me, the spruce might be a little…different, but it’s still about shared history, solidarity, and that bright winter glow we all crave. And if you’re really finicky, just remember an imperfect tree has its charms – like a rough cut sweater that brings you comfort on a cold day.
