World's oldest Christmas tree returns

Families all over the country follow the same annual tradition of getting the artificial Christmas tree out of its box when the time comes to put up the decorations. But the Parker family has been doing it longer than any other because they are still using a tree they first bought in 1886. Complete with the original baubles and tinsel, their 14 inch tree is in its 124th year and has been authenticated as the world's oldest imitation Christmas tree. It cost six pence when it was bought in the mid-Victorian era but was last valued at £1,000 by experts at the Antiques Road Show in 2005.

Owner Paul Parker received the delicate ornament after his mother, Janet, passed away at the age of 69 in 2008, and is the third generation of his family to enjoy it. Displaying the tree for the first time since his mother's death, Mr Parker is delighted to be carrying on the family tradition. The world's first Christmas cards are about to arrive after 167 years... at auction

'I will proudly be displaying the tree this year,' said Mr Parker, 45, a mathematician from Bath.   My mother treasured it when she was alive and my father Grahame is comforted that I will be carrying on the family tradition. It may not look like much but it has been part of our Christmas celebrations for so many years.   It was one of those things the we just grew up with.

'But everything changed when mum saw an advert in the local paper asking for the oldest decorations.

'She thought that our old Christmas tree could be important - and she was right.' 

The ornamental tree was first bought by Mr Parker's great-great aunt Lou in 1886. Aunt Lou passed the tree to her favourite grandniece, Janet, when she just a child in the 1940's. It was taken out of its original box by Janet every year since then and son Paul has vowed to continue the tradition.

The tree is made of green raffia, stands 14 inches tall and has a base featuring the traditional Christmas icons of cherubs, the Virgin Mary and Jesus.

On Christmas day 2010 the aged tree will be on display on the mantle piece of Mr Parker home as he shares a turkey dinner and glass of wine with his father.

Source: mailonline