holiday tree

Decorated seasonal centerpiece

A holiday tree is a Christmas tree referred to by a name that avoids mentioning Christmas, used in contexts where religious neutrality is preferred—public spaces, workplaces, or secular celebrations.

The term draws both practical adoption and backlash from those who see it as political correctness erasing Christian tradition: The city put up a holiday tree at the plaza.

Related
  • standUpright support structure
  • tinselMetallic decorative strips
  • baubleShowy, worthless ornament
  • ornamentThing that beautifies
  • starLuminous astronomical object

decoration · string lights · gift · topper · pine · angel · festive · winter wonderland · lights · present · Douglas fir · noble fir · branch · Cedar · skirt · celebration · flocking · conifer

Opposites
religious specificity

holiday treeChristmas tree

Decorated seasonal evergreen display

Hanukkah bush · Tannenbaum · nativity scene · religious symbol · crèche

seasonal decoration type

holiday treewreath

Decorative foliage circle

menorah · garland · holiday wreath · Advent wreath · nativity scene

presence vs. absence

holiday treeanti-Christmas

Opposed to December holiday

Family

holiday, tree, holidays, trees, treed, treeing, holy, holiness, holier

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Mostly American · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G