According to the Danish Christmas tree farmers’ association, about 70 million Christmas trees will be sold in Europe this year.  This is 20 million more than 15 years ago, the increase being attributed to ‘urbanisation and prosperity in Eastern Europe’ [The Times 30 October 2010].

Image: Christmas trees on sale at the Columbia Road Flower Market, Tower Hamlets, London, Sunday 12 December 2010, Francesco Cillini.