LONDONERS have slammed the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree again – saying “dead branches” make it look like “half the fir is missing”.
The official national tree has returned to the central London square as Advent kicks off.
Donated to Britain by Norway, the towering tree’s lights will be switched on this Thursday.
Posting on Twitter/X, the tree’s official account said: “Guess who’s back?
“Now, before the haters start commenting on my branches, I’ve had 10 days of beauty sleep.
“Who wouldn’t look a bit flat after that kind of travel? But don’t fret; it’ll fluff up and shine just in time for my big moment.”
But Twitter user Gillian Flavell said: “Going to take a lot of fluffing to hide all those dead branches. Just saying.”
The tree’s account replied: “You haven’t seen me shining bright yet!”
A defiant Gillian said: “Do you not recognize teasing?”
Another user named Mark said: “Hopefully it looks better when up.”
And Facebook user Richard Atkinson said: “It’s here. Well half of it anyway.”
Other Brits flocked to praise the spruce tree, which is an annual gift from Norway.
Angela said: “Don’t know why people have to be so negative. You are a wonderful gift.”
The tree’s account replied: “YAAAS QUEEN – you are tree-mendously wonderful too!”
Twitter user Jane said: “You take your time, you’re going to be gorgeous.”
Replying, the tree’s account said: “Love your tree energy. Are yule coming to see me!?”
A festive fir has been donated to Britain by Norway every year since 1947.
The tradition began as a gift of gratitude after British support during World War II.
The tree is typically a 50 to 60-year-old Norwegian spruce measuring more than 20 metres in height.
It is cut down from the forests sounding the city of Oslo, sometimes months or years in advance.
It goes up at the beginning of December and is taken down around Twelfth Night – the fifth or sixth of January.
The tree travels 550 miles across the North Sea and is held in a secret location until its unveiling.
Once in position, a specialist rigging team erects the fir into its usual spot.
