The United States' National Christmas Tree on Tuesday (Nov 28)&nbsp;was knocked over as strong winds roared through the Washington area. The nearly 40-foot tree from Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia fell over during a strong wind gust, said the National Park Service.

<h2>Is it salvageable?</h2>

Soon after the tree toppled over, The National Park Service said: "As the saying goes, 'the show must go on'". It also said that it was "looking at all possibilities to ensure a successful event this year". The annual tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday (Nov 30).

The National Park Service spokesperson Jasmine Shanti in a statement said that a snapped cable was replaced, and the tree was set upright.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-shivers-as-cold-snap-tightens-grip-in-second-winter-without-russian-fuel-supplies-664102">Europe shivers as cold snap tightens grip, UK braces for 'hazardous conditions'</a>

"After assessing the tree's condition and replacing a snapped cable, the tree is now upright," she said.

On its website, the agency warned that for the Washington area, "occasional wind gusts to gale force" would be possible through Tuesday evening.

<h2>What is the National Christmas Tree?</h2>

The National Christmas Tree is a 100-year-old annual Christmas holiday tradition. Since 1923, every year, the US President in a ceremony lights the tree.&nbsp;

As per this year's schedule, the National Christmas Tree which is located in the White House's President Park will be lighted by President Joe Biden on November 30. From December 2nd till January 1st, the 40-foot tree will be available for public viewing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-gigi-hadid-retracts-post-says-palestinian-kids-should-have-same-rights-like-others-664137">Gigi Hadid retracts post, says 'Palestinian kids should have same rights like others'</a>

The tradition began on December 24, 1923, when the then President Calvin Coolidge lit a 48-foot balsam fir from Vermont that was erected in the middle of the Ellipse.

<h2>Is it a 100-year-old tree?</h2>

No, the tree was delivered to the White House Ellipse on November 14. Over the 100 years of this holiday tradition, the National Christmas Tree has been replaced many times.

The last one was planted in October 2021, but had to be taken down after it developed a fungal infection.

In the one century of this holiday tradition, at least three National Christmas trees have fallen victim to Washington's winds, reports The Daily Beast.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States' National Christmas Tree on Tuesday (Nov 28) was knocked over as strong winds roared through the Washington area. The nearly 40-foot tree from Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia fell over during a strong wind gust, said the National Park Service.

The United States' National Christmas Tree on Tuesday (Nov 28) was knocked over as strong winds roared through the Washington area. The nearly 40-foot tree from Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia fell over during a strong wind gust, said the National Park Service. Is it salvageable? Soon after the tree toppled over, The National Park Service said: "As the saying goes, 'the show must go on'". It also said that it was "looking at all possibilities to ensure a successful event this year". The annual tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday (Nov 30). The National Park Service spokesperson Jasmine Shanti in a statement said that a snapped cable was replaced, and the tree was set upright. Also read | Europe shivers as cold snap tightens grip, UK braces for 'hazardous conditions' "After assessing the tree's condition and replacing a snapped cable, the tree is now upright," she said. On its website, the agency warned that for the Washington area, "occasional wind gusts to gale force" would be possible through Tuesday evening. What is the National Christmas Tree? The National Christmas Tree is a 100-year-old annual Christmas holiday tradition. Since 1923, every year, the US President in a ceremony lights the tree. As per this year's schedule, the National Christmas Tree which is located in the White House's President Park will be lighted by President Joe Biden on November 30. From December 2nd till January 1st, the 40-foot tree will be available for public viewing. Also read | Gigi Hadid retracts post, says 'Palestinian kids should have same rights like others' The tradition began on December 24, 1923, when the then President Calvin Coolidge lit a 48-foot balsam fir from Vermont that was erected in the middle of the Ellipse. Is it a 100-year-old tree? No, the tree was delivered to the White House Ellipse on November 14. Over the 100 years of this holiday tradition, the National Christmas Tree has been replaced many times. The last one was planted in October 2021, but had to be taken down after it developed a fungal infection. In the one century of this holiday tradition, at least three National Christmas trees have fallen victim to Washington's winds, reports The Daily Beast. (With inputs from agencies)

Strong winds knock over the National Christmas Tree outside White House

The most joyous time of the year Christmas is here. People from around the world have gotten into the spirit of the festival and are celebrating it in their own way. For some, Christmas means cooking mouthwatering delicacies and eating them with their close ones, while for others, it's the time to travel and explore new places. 
 
The festival of joy and togetherness is celebrated in a variety of ways. Traditions and customs vary from country to country, and if we dig a little, we will come across a variety of new customs that people are abiding by for&nbsp;generations. 
 
Recently, we came across the countries and places where people celebrate this festival in the weirdest and most strange way you can even think of—from decorating Christmas trees with spiderwebs to hiding the brooms to keep them safe from the withes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/no-christmas-from-lady-gaga-to-miley-cyrus-stars-who-hate-this-festival-of-joy-540131">No Christmas! From Lady Gaga to Miley Cyrus: Stars who hate this festival of joy</a>

Here we have compiled some weird Christmas traditions from around the world. 
 
Norwegians hide their brooms<img alt="brooms" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99d59a01-fb5a-4018-827e-67f0a32a7fdc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4_6.png" /> 
 
We have only seen witches with big noses while watching cartoons. But do witches exist in real life? I would say ask a Norwegian. During the Christmas period, Norwegians hide all their brooms in order to keep away the evil witches who ride on brooms from their homes. 
 
Ukraine: Decorating Christmas trees with spiderwebs 
 
It's Christmas, not Halloween. While the whole world decorates their Christmas trees with little Santas, lights, and colourful items, in Ukraine people decorate their Christmas trees with spider webs. Ukrainians believe that decorating the tree will bring them good luck in their home and life.

<img alt="web" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6108216b-658d-4dd5-9240-f9cdc98dc731" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/7.png" /> 
 
Ireland: Beer and&nbsp;pie for Santa 
 
In most places in the world, people leave biscuits and milk for their dear Santa. But in Ireland, in order to make their Santa happy, children leave a bear and a mince pie for him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/christmas-2022-nail-art-ideas-to-inspire-your-holiday-manicure-542650">Christmas 2022: Nail art ideas to inspire your holiday manicure</a>

Venezuela: Skate on Christmas Day&nbsp; 
 
If you are in Caracas, Venezuela, during the Christmas period, make sure you have a pair of skates. From December 16 to 24, Venezuelans attend early morning church services, and people roller skate from their homes to the church. 
Roads are closed in order to make sure that there is no traffic so that people don't face&nbsp;any problems while roller skating. 
 
The reason behind the strange tradition is unknown.

<img alt="damon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b7c8da9d-1954-4589-a5db-d1ac0468febb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_23.png" /> 
 
Ireland: Christmas with Krampus, the "half-goat, half-demon" 
 
In Christmas, people step out to see the beautiful streets all decked up in lights, and beautiful props and people enjoy their street food in the cosy weather. But this is not the case in Ireland, where joyful celebrations are haunted by the "half-goat, half-demon" known as Krampus. 
 
Man dressed as fearsome demon with two horns and a scary face comes out during Christmas time and punishes children who have done bad things.

&nbsp;<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tu-beer-hai-gang-is-back-in-exclusive-chat-with-tvf-pitchers-season-2-cast-545258/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>


Portugal:&nbsp;Dinning with dead relatives 
 
In Portugal, not only family members who are present at the moment will get their plate on the table, but those who have passed will be treated to traditional Christmas food. During the annual feast known as consoda, organised on Christmas morning, people put extra food on the dining table for their family members who have passed away. 
 
The thought behind this belief is that it will bring good fortune to their home.

<img alt="beat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a941126f-6cc8-41e3-94f5-ac5f62abb38b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_21.png" /> 
 
Catalonia:&nbsp;Beat the log until it poops! 
 
One of the weird yet strange traditions of Catalonia, a Spanish region. A few weeks before Christmas, people start celebrating&nbsp;caga tió, which means defecating or pooping. Under this weird tradition, locals brought a small wooden log into their home and make a cute face over it. They keep it, feed it fruits and sweets, and take care of it until Christmas Eve when the family beats the log with sticks in order to get the treats from it, and while doing this strange custom, they sing, "If you don't poop anything, I will hit you with my stick."

The most joyous time of the year Christmas is here. People from around the world have gotten into the spirit of the festival and are celebrating it in their own way.

The most joyous time of the year Christmas is here. People from around the world have gotten into the spirit of the festival and are celebrating it in their own way. For some, Christmas means cooking mouthwatering delicacies and eating them with their close ones, while for others, it's the time to travel and explore new places. The festival of joy and togetherness is celebrated in a variety of ways. Traditions and customs vary from country to country, and if we dig a little, we will come across a variety of new customs that people are abiding by for generations. Recently, we came across the countries and places where people celebrate this festival in the weirdest and most strange way you can even think of—from decorating Christmas trees with spiderwebs to hiding the brooms to keep them safe from the withes. No Christmas! From Lady Gaga to Miley Cyrus: Stars who hate this festival of joy Here we have compiled some weird Christmas traditions from around the world. Norwegians hide their brooms We have only seen witches with big noses while watching cartoons. But do witches exist in real life? I would say ask a Norwegian. During the Christmas period, Norwegians hide all their brooms in order to keep away the evil witches who ride on brooms from their homes. Ukraine: Decorating Christmas trees with spiderwebs It's Christmas, not Halloween. While the whole world decorates their Christmas trees with little Santas, lights, and colourful items, in Ukraine people decorate their Christmas trees with spider webs. Ukrainians believe that decorating the tree will bring them good luck in their home and life. Ireland: Beer and pie for Santa In most places in the world, people leave biscuits and milk for their dear Santa. But in Ireland, in order to make their Santa happy, children leave a bear and a mince pie for him. Christmas 2022: Nail art ideas to inspire your holiday manicure Venezuela: Skate on Christmas Day If you are in Caracas, Venezuela, during the Christmas period, make sure you have a pair of skates. From December 16 to 24, Venezuelans attend early morning church services, and people roller skate from their homes to the church. Roads are closed in order to make sure that there is no traffic so that people don't face any problems while roller skating. The reason behind the strange tradition is unknown. Ireland: Christmas with Krampus, the "half-goat, half-demon" In Christmas, people step out to see the beautiful streets all decked up in lights, and beautiful props and people enjoy their street food in the cosy weather. But this is not the case in Ireland, where joyful celebrations are haunted by the "half-goat, half-demon" known as Krampus. Man dressed as fearsome demon with two horns and a scary face comes out during Christmas time and punishes children who have done bad things. Portugal: Dinning with dead relatives In Portugal, not only family members who are present at the moment will get their plate on the table, but those who have passed will be treated to traditional Christmas food. During the annual feast known as consoda, organised on Christmas morning, people put extra food on the dining table for their family members who have passed away. The thought behind this belief is that it will bring good fortune to their home. Catalonia: Beat the log until it poops! One of the weird yet strange traditions of Catalonia, a Spanish region. A few weeks before Christmas, people start celebrating caga tió, which means defecating or pooping. Under this weird tradition, locals brought a small wooden log into their home and make a cute face over it. They keep it, feed it fruits and sweets, and take care of it until Christmas Eve when the family beats the log with sticks in order to get the treats from it, and while doing this strange custom, they sing, "If you don't poop anything, I will hit you with my stick."

7 weird and strange Christmas traditions from around the world: Dinning with dead to hiding brooms

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Strong winds knock over the National Christmas Tree outside White House

7 weird and strange Christmas traditions from around the world: Dinning with dead to hiding brooms