The streets of Tokyo are no exception, with their traditional trees or more creative installations

Christmas is coming soon, and the cities are dressed up to welcome it. Illuminated streets, decorated shops, and squares adorned with large Christmas trees. This is the time of year when everything takes on a magical flavor, and we say, "At Christmas, we are all better." Why is that? One reason could be related to the fir, one of the symbols of Christmas.

In the symbolism of plants, the fir tree represents the Spring, with its light and the rebirth of nature. Fir is also associated with the figure of Christ and the Redemption of humanity. In fact, following the Christian tradition, the decoration of the Christmas tree takes place on December 8^th, the date of Christ's conception. Christmas was a pagan festival in more ancient times and coincided with the winter solstice on December 21^st.

All images Valentina Cannava

The tradition of setting up the Christmas tree - which dates to the distant Middle Ages - has now become almost a challenge that sees as protagonists not only local administrations but also the big luxury brands. The streets of Tokyo are no exception, with their traditional trees or more creative installations.

REFLECTING GARDEN - proposed by CARTIER in Omotesando - celebrates Christmas with a sophisticated tree adorned with Cartier red baubles. Composed of white boxes with red ribbons - seats that evoke the Cartier box and are bordered by mirrors - the REFLECTING GARDEN has become the favorite place for Instagram Addicted.

On the other hand, less conventional is the Christmas set-up of the florist Yuri Koba in Ginza, created for the Italian brand FALCONERI. The tree – made of white branches adorned with candles and pinecones – is in line with the brand's minimalism and evokes the winter atmosphere. Small white and red cashmere t-shirts give a touch of originality to the setting by wrapping it with the warmth of Christmas.

BONBON BLOSSOM, an exciting installation by Hideki Yoshimoto for the Roppongi Hills, focuses on sustainability and originality. The artist reuses dried flowers - otherwise thrown away due to the cancellation of events - to create a tree inspired by the BONBON.

"WISHING FOR A FRUITFUL SPRING" the Christmas tree made by SHISEIDO takes us back to the origin of the decorations. In ancient times, decorating the tree - with apples, walnuts, dates - expressed hope for a fruitful spring.

Unusual and fun is the sound tree designed for Omotesando Hills by designer Neiko Sato. "100 TWINKLE SOUNDS" - located within the complex - is decorated with one hundred recycled musical instruments, cloud-shaped lights, and LED lighting. Every twenty minutes, the show starts: the lights dim, and the tree begins flashing in time with the Christmas songs.

A reverse tree created with dichroic film caught my attention. Positioned inside the Spiral in Aoyama, the tree - reflecting the lights and colors of the space - generates a positive and intriguing effect.

A glittering setting unfolds before entering the MIKIMOTO boutique in Ginza. With white, opaque, and aluminum sheets of paper, the installation creates an enchanting environment, reminding the sensation you get when opening the charmed MIKIMOTO box.

The eternal battle between tradition and innovation can offer great emotions to us. How will you decorate your tree?

I hope you enjoyed this article, and I wish you all a Merry Christmas.