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The Norsemen used Holly hedge (kristtorn) leaves and berries to make round wreaths to decorate their homes for Jól. The Holly hedge is an evergreen plant which also grows in winter, so it represents the continuation of life. Holly hedge shaped like a circular wreath illustrates the the sun and the annual cycle; winter will be summer and then go back to winter again. Using a evergreen plant to make the wreath means that life existed throughout the year, and is a promise of the warmer days to come.

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Further: The evergreen trees in the Scandinavian forests were also a powerful symbol of life for the Vikings. When all the other trees seamed dead in winter, the evergreen trees still looked green and fresh. For the Vikings, they represented a promise of life in the darkest and coldest seasons.

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The evergreen trees were so much appreciated that for Jól they were decorated with small carvings and gifts in order that the spirits of the trees and plants would encourage them to come back soon and start the new spring. Decorating evergreen trees, especially the spruce, and to bring them into our homes did not stop with the Vikings. Their Germanic descendant brought the tradition to England and rest of Europe, and it has been spread to all over the world.

So to decorate a Christmas tree, or to hang a Holly hedge wreath at the door, is an old Viking ritual that is being performed all over the world - every single year!