Two days ahead of the ceremony, whichhappens on the first Thursday of December, the Christmas tree was erected and looked, well, like a pretty good representation of what 2021 has felt like for many people.
Standing 20-metres high, the Norweigian spruce soon caught the attention of Londoners who noticed that the tree looked more than a little sparse compared to other trees around the city.
Gifted to Britain by Norway every year since 1947, the 50- to 60-year-old trees don't just symbolise the festive time of year, but Norway's gratitude for Britain supporting them during WWII.
The sad state of this year's conifer had people wondering if the Nordic country was trying to send a message.
