O Christmas Tree

Christmas Carol Lyrics

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
How are thy leaves so verdant!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
How are thy leaves so verdant!

Not only in the summertime,
But even in winter is thy prime.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
How are thy leaves so verdant!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Much pleasure doth thou bring me!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Much pleasure doth thou bring me!
For every year the Christmas tree,
Brings to us all both joy and glee.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Much pleasure doth thou bring me!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!
Each bough doth hold its tiny light,
That makes each toy to sparkle bright.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!

History of this Christmas Carol

O Christmas Tree is a tender and familiar carol that celebrates the enduring beauty of the evergreen tree. The song has German roots and was originally known as O Tannenbaum. While the melody dates back to the 16th century, the version most people know today took shape in the early 1800s. Ernst Anschütz, a German organist and teacher, wrote the well loved lyrics in 1824, drawing on earlier folk verses that praised the tree's steadfast green branches.

At first, the song wasn't specifically tied to Christmas. It was more about the evergreen as a symbol of constancy and faithfulness, especially during winter when most other plants had lost their leaves. Over time, as the tradition of decorating Christmas trees spread across Europe and eventually into America, the song naturally became associated with the holiday season.

The melody's smooth, stepwise pattern makes it easy for choirs, families, and children to sing together. Its gentle rise and fall gives the carol a peaceful, almost lullaby like quality. As the Christmas tree grew into a centerpiece of holiday celebrations, the song’s meaning deepened. It became a musical tribute not only to nature, but also to the sense of warmth and togetherness that comes from gathering around a decorated tree.

Today, O Christmas Tree is a staple of school programs, carol sings, and cozy Christmas gatherings. Its simple message and soothing melody offer a quiet moment of reflection in the middle of the festive season.

Performance Video from The Christmas Chronicles 2

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