Difficulty Rating -

Legend has it that the triangular shape of the Fir Tree was used to describe the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to people of the 7th century in Germany, who referred to the tree as 'God's Tree'. By the 12th century it was being hung, upside-down, from ceilings at Christmastime in Central Europe, as a symbol of Christianity. But it was Queen Victoria, who made the Christmas tree so popular in Britain, when soon after marring Prince Albert. Some of the Christian associations have been lost with the Christmas tree except that an angel or star is often placed at the top of the tree, representing the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity story.

Of course nowadays there is a lot of controversy about Christmas trees and how environmentally friendly they are. But we have a wooden Christmas tree idea that can be used year after year and it can be made from scraps of wood and of course it biodegradable.

To make a wooden Christmas Tree you will need...
Some wood, MDF is easy to work with, paint, a string of Fairy lights, wood glue, sand paper and tools.

First draw a Christmas tree shape onto the wood. Make it as big and as tall as you like. Don't worry if you tree doesn't look symmetrical. Even God's trees aren't perfect. Remember to draw a star at the top of your Christmas tree.

You also need to draw out a stand for the tree. The stand is a square, the sides of the stand should be the about double the width of the trunk of your Christmas tree.

From the stand is a triangle, which extends up the back of the tree to support it. The base of the Triangle should be just a couple of centimetres shorter than the stand on which it will sit. The height of the triangle should be just under half as tall as the Christmas tree itself and it should be at an 85-degree angle from the base so that the finished tree leans backwards slightly.

Carefully cut out all the pieces of wood (you may need an adult to help you) and sand the edges to get rid of any rough sides.

Drill holes randomly into the Christmas tree shape. You will need to push the fairy lights through the holes later, and they need to be a snug fit. Find a drill bit that is a similar size to the fairy lights. Drill as many holes as you have lights, and drill a hole in the star at the top of the tree.

Using wood glue, stick all of the sections of wood together, and leave overnight to dry.

Give you Christmas tree a coat of paint. You tree may need more than one coat of paint. Leave to dry.

Push the Fairy lights through the holes from the back to the front. Start at the top and work your way down the tree pushing the lights through. If the holes are not a snug fit, use a dab of glue to hold each light in place.

Now plug your Christmas tree in and enjoy it for many years to come.