The song O Christmas Tree is about why people love Christmas trees. It tells how these special trees stay green all winter, just like positive things in life, such as love and hope, that never fade away.
The lyrics gently compare the tree’s strong branches to people who stay true during tough times. The melody feels cozy and familiar, bringing back favourite holiday memories.
However, christmas trees have long been a major part of winter celebrations. Their green leaves remind us that spring will come again, and the lights and decorations show how happiness can shine even in dark times.
The History of “O Christmas Tree”
O Christmas Tree originally started as a German folk song, O Tannenbaum, in the 1500s, celebrating the fir tree’s strength and faithfulness. In 1824, Ernst Anschütz added new lyrics, focusing on the tree’s unchanging green leaves.
As Christmas tree traditions grew, especially after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the song became a popular Christmas carol.
It was later translated into English and recorded by renowned artists such as Nat King Cole.
The song, though cheerful, carries a deeper message of strength and hope, symbolised by the evergreen tree, and remains a well-loved Christmas classic.
Complete O Christmas Tree Lyrics
Version 1
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Thy leaves are so unchanging
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Thy leaves are so unchanging
Not only green when summer’s here
But also when it’s cold and drear
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Thy leaves are so unchanging
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Such pleasure do you bring me
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Such pleasure do you bring me
For every year this Christmas tree
Brings to us such joy and glee
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Such pleasure do you bring me
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
You’ll ever be unchanging
A symbol of goodwill and love
You’ll ever be unchanging
Each shining light, each silver bell
No one alive spreads cheer so well
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
You’ll ever be unchanging
Version 2
O Christmas Tree, o Christmas Tree
How steadfast are your branches!
Your boughs are green in summer’s clime
And through the snows of wintertime
O Christmas Tree, o Christmas Tree
How steadfast are your branches!
O Christmas Tree, o Christmas Tree
What happiness befalls me
When oft at joyous Christmas-time
Your form inspires my song and rhyme
O Christmas Tree, o Christmas Tree
What happiness befalls me
O Christmas Tree, o Christmas Tree
Your boughs can teach a lesson
That constant faith and hope sublime
Lend strength and comfort through all time
O Christmas Tree, o Christmas Tree
Your boughs can teach a lesson
Similar Songs Like O Christmas Tree
Below is the list of some similar songs that share the same emotion, genre, and vibe.
- Silent Night: This song feels calm and soothing, like a soft lullaby sung late at night.
- Jingle Bells: The music is lively and bright, and his swing style adds a cheerful, upbeat feeling that makes you want to sing along.
- O Holy Night: Celine Dion’s voice makes this song sound powerful and full of hope, filling the room with beauty.
Similar Artists
If you love classic holiday voices that bring warmth, charm, and a bit of magic to the season, here are the artists who helped shape Christmas music as we know it.
- Bing Crosby
Genres: Traditional Pop, Holiday
Top Albums: White Christmas (1945), Merry Christmas (1955) - Nat King Cole
Genres: Jazz, Christmas Classics
Top Albums: The Magic of Christmas (1960), The Christmas Song (1963) - Perry Como
Genres: Vocal Pop, Holiday
Top Albums: Perry Como Sings Merry Christmas Music (1946), Perry Como’s Christmas Concert (1994) - Frank Sinatra
Genres: Swing, Jazz, Holiday
Top Albums: A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra (1957), The Sinatra Christmas Album (1968) - Johnny Mathis
Genres: Holiday, Classical Pop
Top Albums: Merry Christmas (1958), Sending You a Little Christmas (2013)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was a Folk Tune Used for a Christmas Song?
The melody was already well-known in Germany, so using it for new holiday lyrics made the song easy to remember and sing while keeping its familiar sound.
How has the Song Oh Christmas Tree Changed Over Time?
While the main melody has stayed the same, many artists have created their own versions, adding new styles and feelings to the song over the years.
