The First Puritan Christmas Tree

Mrs. Olcott, a Puritan mother in New England, secretly planned a Christmas surprise for her children, sending her sons to fetch a hemlock tree, which she decorated with candles and gifts on Christmas morning. The family marveled at the illuminated tree, a rare sight in their strict community, but their celebration was interrupted by knocking at the door. Initially fearing danger, they discovered it was Captain Olcott, their father, who had returned after being lost at sea, accompanied by the townsfolk. The townspeople, despite their initial disapproval of the tree, softened as young Roger offered the decorated tree as a gesture of gratitude for his father’s return. The moment bridged tradition and heartfelt joy, symbolizing the union of old customs with newfound celebration.