Was the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree poorly decorated this year? Posts criticizing London Mayor Sadiq Khan explored

With the onset of Christmas, a photo of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has been circulating across the internet, where people criticized London Mayor Sadiq Khan for a "poorly decorated" Christmas tree. On December 10, an X user (@kingkapoor72) shared a tweet with the clip of the tree and wrote:

"The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, a symbol of Britain’s heritage and Christian faith, has been poorly presented under @MayorofLondon Sadiq Khan’s leadership."

Some similar tweets made it to the social media platform, where users called out the Christmas tree decoration. Many netizens claimed that the mayor had intentionally undermined the heritage and culture.

It’s a shame the last few years the trees have been more like twigs or pulled through a hedge backwards rather than the majestic and grand looking ones we’ve had in the past. Let’s face it the Christmas lights could be better with these crappy yellow LED as it’s just lazy putting them in that fashion. So you’re right it does look like a huge cactus!- a user said.

While several tweets criticizing the decoration appeared on the internet, many arrived with a justification. One such user (@RyanSutts) claimed that the tree was donated from Oslo. The user tweeted:

"This tree was donated from Oslo, in thanks and solitude of World War II, it is decorated in a traditional Norwegian way with the lights going vertical instead of horizontal."

In an article published by the Independent on December 10, it was mentioned that the tree decoration done at Trafalgar Square was not new and was, in fact, quite similar to what was done in previous years, even before Sadiq Khan became the mayor.

It has been reported that since 1947, Norway donates a tree to London every year, "in grtitude for Britain’s support for Norway during the Second World War." The outlet also reported that the decorations were done using the Norwegian ways in mind.

It, however, couldn't be concluded that the decoration was poorly done this particular year under the supervision of the London mayor.

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Locals too have criticized the Christmas tree decoration at the Trafalgar Square

On December 2, The Daily Mail reported in an article that not just netizens but local people had also expressed displeasure with how the Christmas Tree at Trafalgar Square has been decorated this year. According to the outlet, they even described the tree as "rather unwell looking" and looking "sad."

The Mail further mentioned that experts had to be present to "fluff out" the pines and arrange the branches better while they were being put up in the area. On December 2, the tree's official social media account tweeted:

"Guess who’s back? Now, before the haters start commenting on my branches, I have had 10 days of beauty sleep - who wouldn’t look a bit flat after that kind of travel, but don’t fret; it’ll fluff up and shine just in time for my big moment🌲💃."

In another tweet, dated December 9, the official X account mentioned another post where the decoration was criticized and responded by writing:

"Haters gonna hate - but I’m not going to let anything dim my shine 💅🎄✨".

The lights of the famous Trafalgar Square Christmas tree were also turned on last week on Thursday. The tree will reportedly be there till January 6, 2025. As per BBC reports, the Christmas tree will then be recycled to enhance different gardens across London. This was further confirmed by the Westminster City Council.