Norway’s annual Christmas tree gift to England mocked online

CultureLara Rasin4. December 2021

“Are we at war with Norway now?” joked a few British social media users underwhelmed by Norway’s gift. The tree has been called “wonky” and compared to a “half-plucked chicken” by some, while others rushed to its (and Norway’s) defense.

Norway fells a Christmas tree and sends it to London’s Trafalgar Square each year. The gift is an offering of thanks for England’s support during WWII.

This year, some social media users are pointing out that the tree appears asymmetrical and missing a few branches.

Are we at war with Norway now? https://t.co/UDfWBx11in
— Hannah Al-Othman (@HannahAlOthman) December 1, 2021

This year’s Christmas tree from Norway is like being given socks by a relative who doesn’t like you very much anymore. pic.twitter.com/qQyn2jOOK5
— Becky Barrow (@beckymbarrow) December 2, 2021

Norway always sends us a magnificent Christmas tree that we place proudly in Trafalgar Square. The Scandinavian country delivers this annual gift in tribute to our friendship and help in WWII. What have we done to upset Oslo this year? The tree resembles a half-plucked chicken!
— Robert Kimbell (@Rob_Kimbell) December 2, 2021

Loved this story in ⁦@thetimes⁩ today about the Trafalgar Sq. Christmas tree. Haven’t the Norwegians got a great sense of humour!https://t.co/vdx2FlF48b
— Ken Allison (@KonsumerKen) December 4, 2021

Others rushed to the defense of the tree, and Norway.

Came down to see what all the fuss is about…

Honestly, I love it. Since 1947 the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has been a gift of thanks from the people of Norway for the UK’s help in the Second World War. It's a beautiful symbol of international friendship. pic.twitter.com/kvXlEwfUqZ
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) December 2, 2021

Good job Twitter isn’t real life!!
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is appreciated by the vast majority. And is an amazing gesture from the people of Oslo.
Looking forward to the lighting tonight!
(Below, the tree coming from its Norwegian forest🌲) pic.twitter.com/1RaUMDOvWP
— Richard Wood 🇬🇧 (@RichWoodUK) December 2, 2021

Norway asks what Londoners who complained about this year's Christmas tree gift have given back https://t.co/wBU7nTQ8p4
— Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) December 4, 2021

Lars Anton said: “All the British gave us last Christmas was the Kent variant. If they don’t want the tree we can come and get it back.”

Gunnar Evensen said: “Try getting a Christmas tree from the French to see how nice that is.”🇳🇴🎄🇳🇴 #TreeGate https://t.co/yhSup7gZ56
— Signe Johansen (@SigneSJohansen) December 4, 2021

It’s all a little reminiscent of a certain 1960s cartoon special…