London's Iconic Trafalgar Square Loses Norwegian Christmas Tree Prior to Transportation

London's traditional Christmas gift, a 62-foot tall Norwegian spruce, has been cut down in Nordmarka, the forests just north of Oslo. It will soon be shipped to the British capital, where it will be decorated with energy-efficient lights in the traditional Norwegian fashion. This annual gift from Norway is given as a token of thanks for Britain's support during the Second World War. The tree will be erected in Trafalgar Square by a specialist rigging team using a hydraulic crane. The official lights ceremony will take place on 7 December, and this year marks the 76th anniversary since the first spruce was sent to London. The unveiling ceremony in Norway was attended by local primary school children, forest officials, and members of the public, and was hosted by the Mayor of Oslo and attended by the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the British Ambassador.