Countess Wilhelmine Holstein from Helsteinborg on Sealand decorated a spruce tree for her daughter during Christmas 1808. She had seen it done in Holstein in the present Germany and she thought that it was pretty, solemn and festive. Thereby the countess became the first Dane to have a Christmas tree.

Also the good Copenhagen citizen, Martin Lehmann, who was originally from Holstein, knew about the tradition with the decorated tree. So, when he married Federikke in Copenhagen in 1810, it was only natural to decorate a tree for Christmas in the couple’s large apartment in Store kongensgade. The tree was very popular amongst neighbours, friends and family, but not until 10-12 years later did the custom spread to the rest of Denmark, first and foremost among priests and schoolteachers.