For the past 70 years, a tree from the forests surrounding Oslo has been picked by Norwegian foresters. The tree is later chopped down, and shipped to Britain, where it is set up in the middle of Trafalgar Square.

The tradition began in 1947, just two years after the end of World War Two. During World War Two, Norway had been invaded by the Germans, and Norway’s royal family and parliament was forced to temporarily move to London, where they stayed until Norway was eventually liberated by Britain and the other allies. As a form of thanks, the Norwegian government sends Britain a specially picked Christmas tree every year.

The process begins in the forests surrounding Oslo. A tree is often selected months, or even years, before it needs to be chopped down. In early November, it is driven down to Brevik — a port where the tree is carefully lifted onto a ship and begins its journey to UK. When it arrives, it is checked by customs officers through standard customs procedure, because it is a foreign object. The tree then is lifted onto another truck to bring it to London. When it arrives at Trafalgar Square it is erected by a hydraulic crane. It is then decorated in a Norwegian style using vertical strands of colorful lights topped with a bright white star. The tree is lit up every year in early December in a tree-lighting ceremony with plenty of carolling and poetry reading.

This year, the Trafalgar Square Tree stands at 20 meters tall, is around 60 years old, and weighs around 1200 kilograms. It was from the forests of Grefsenkleiva, north of Oslo. It was chopped down in early November during a ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe, with many school children and experts involved in the conservation of the forest in attendance.

This unique annual tradition represents the amazing allyship between the people of Norway and Britain. Despite this tradition not being the only gift giving ceremony between countries, there aren’t many traditions that are as consistent, and heartwarming, as this one.