Norway Hits Back At 'Ungrateful' Brits Over Christmas Tree Gift

Norway has hit back after Brits have been roasting the nation for sending the UK a 'half dead' Christmas tree gift that has taken center stage in London's Trafalgar Square. Check it out below:

Londoners have complained that the 78ft Norwegian spruce looks a bit 'flea-bitten' and 'hungover' this year, with many asking 'where's the rest of it?'

Twitter users have been heaping scorn on the tree and making fun of the particularly British naffness of the whole thing.

However, various Norwegians have responded to those taking the mickey out of their gift.

Oslo resident Lars Anton told The Times: "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."

Ouch.

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As per Daily Mail, Marianne Borgen, Oslo's mayor, took a more diplomatic approach and said: "People complain all the time.

"In 2019 I was told it looked like a cucumber.

"In the end, the tree is not really a tree at all, it’s a symbol of solidarity and friendship.

"It comes from the forest that embraces Oslo on all sides. So while it might arrive with injuries, it remains a gift of love."

Every year since 1947, the Norwegian government has gifted the City of London with a giant Christmas tree - donated as a sign of gratitude that recognises Britain's support for the country during World War 2.

The tree is felled in a special ceremony in Oslo every year which is attended by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, the British ambassador to Norway and the Mayor of Oslo, before being shipped to London by sea and decorated in Trafalgar Square in traditional Norwegian fashion.

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The Mayor added: "I am pleased that people are passionate - it is a sign that Londoners care about the present we have sent them.

"The tree comes from a forest. This is a love tree and it means a lot to us to give it to Londoners.

"Though it started as a thank you to the British people for their help during World War Two, it is now as much about friendship, solidarity, hope for the future and peace.

"The tree symbolises all this and I hope that when the lights are turned on, the symbolic message behind the gift is what people have in mind."

Topics: London, UK News, Christmas

Anish Vij

Anish is a GG2 Young Journalist of the Year 2024 finalist. He has a Master's degree in Multimedia Journalism and a Bachelor's degree in International Business Management. Apart from that, his life revolves around the ‘Four F’s’ - family, friends, football and food. Email: [email protected]

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