While driving down Poplarville’s Main Street, it’s impossible not to notice the 20 Christmas trees standing together on a plot of land decorated with ornaments and shiny lights, reminding people of the true meaning of Christmas.

For the past five years, the Poplarville Chamber has sponsored the Trail of Trees, where businesses in the area purchase Christmas trees and decorate them for the community to enjoy.

While many people bring a Christmas tree into their home every year, Christmas trees weren’t always an American staple. According to the History Channel, Germany is credited with beginning the Christmas tree tradition during the 16^th century. The tradition wasn’t widely accepted by Americans at first. The first record of a Christmas tree on display in the U.S. was in the 1830s by German settlers in Pennsylvania. At that time, Americans saw the Christmas tree as a symbol of paganism. It wasn’t until British Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were sketched in a London newspaper in 1846 standing beside a Christmas tree that Christmas trees were seen as fashionable in British and American society. By the 1890s, the tradition’s popularity skyrocketed in America.

Poplarville Chamber President Maggie Smith said the Christmas trees in the Trail of Trees not only spread Christmas cheer, but also promote local shopping during the holiday season.

“We like to promote shopping local, especially to those visiting Poplarville,” Smith said. “Every year, the businesses purchase the trees for $50 each and decorate them after Thanksgiving. It’s all about helping to move the city forward by helping our businesses.”

In front of each Christmas tree is a plaque with the respective business name.

Doodlebugs Florist and Gifts owner Miranda Rester said she decided to purchase a tree to share a little Christmas spirit and promote her business during the busiest shopping season of the year.

“We do it to help support the community and get the name out as a business,” Rester said.

The participating businesses and community members include, Apple’s LTD, BankPlus, Blueberry Jubilee, Doodlebugs Florist, Greer’s CashSaver, Hancock Bank, Kloze Kloset, McDonald’s, Pearl River County Hospital & Nursing Home, Pearl River Drug Store, Poplarville Dental Clinic, fourth graders at the Poplarville Upper Elementary School, Rodan and Fields, Bonnie Hodge and Savannah Hodge, Scooter’s Restaurant, Stonewall’s BBQ and Catering, Dimples Fried Chicken, Well’s Insurance, P & G Smith Timber Company and Penton Jewelry.

Adam’s Signs produced the plaques and the city of Poplarville pays for the electricity in order to keep the trees shining well into the New Year.