HELEN CARR highlights events that took place at Christmas in history
24 DECEMBER 1923The first evergreen tree is put up outside the White House
President Coolidge inaugurates a new festive tradition
On 24 December 1923, an event that would go on to mark Christmas in Washington DC every year took place for the very first time. An enormous evergreen was erected in front of the United States of America’s most famous building. Not only was it the first time a Christmas tree had been put up outside the White House, rather than just being indoors, it was the first to be decorated with electric lights. Nestling within its firs were 2,500 red, white and green bulbs.
Donated by Middlebury College in Vermont, President Coolidge’s home state, the fir tree stood in its glory at 48 feet high.
A large crowd gathered to witness the inaugural lighting of the tree. A band, which would go on to entertain the president into the evening, was playing Christmas carols with the Epiphany Church choir. As the main event was about to begin, the music paused. Coolidge addressed the crowd, who were patiently waiting behind a rope.
Wishing the people of America a very merry Christmas, Coolidge hit the button, firing the bulbs into a wash of light around the Christmas tree, and beginning a tradition that would endure through numerous presidents into the modern day.
25 DECEMBER 1100Baldwin I is crowned king of Jerusalem
Coronation ceremony paves the way for 17 years in power
Both the Emperor Charlemagne and William the Conqueror were crowned on Christmas Day, in 800 and 1066 respectively. But these two monarchs were not the only ones. On Christmas Day in 1100, Baldwin of Boulogne was crowned king of Jerusalem.
In 1095 Pope Urban II had proclaimed the First Crusade to the Holy Land. Baldwin took the cross in 1096, travelling with his brothers Godfrey and Eustace III of Boulogne until they were separated. Baldwin then made his own journey east, attempting to establish himself as a ruler by conquering eastern lands in southern Anatolia.
As Baldwin forged his career in Armenia, then going on to secure the position of Count
