Each year the people of Norway gift Londoners a giant Christmas tree in thanks and recognition for this country’s assistance during the Second World War.

       But things have gone slightly awry this year following the installation of the tree, which traditionally marks the capital’s countdown to Christmas.

       Such is the 80-year-old tree’s “scrawny” and “neglected” appearance that it has been roundly mocked by those who have seen it.

       Once the 24-ft tree was erected in Trafalgar Square it appeared that half of it was thinner and more sparse than normal.

       That drew a rapid response on social media, with several people asking what Britain had done to offend the Norwegians this year.

       Leon Crosby asked: “Is Norway trying to tell us something?”, while another joked: “Have we gone to war with Norway?”

       There were even suggestions the tree might be revenge for Manchester United’s sacking of its Norwegian-born manager.

       Revenge for the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ...

       “Norway has not taken the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer well”, said one quick-witted wag.

       Another person quipped: “Interflora clearly forgot to include the little sachet of plant feed.”

       Others said it looked like “only half of it had arrived” while many agreed it “looked a bit sad” this year. "Dear me, that's a bit flea-bitten", complained another.

       The tradition of the tree from Norway has taken place every year since 1947, with a ceremony held in Norway every November when the tree is felled.

       In attendance at the ceremony are the Lord Mayor of Westminster, the British ambassador to Norway and the Mayor of Oslo, before the tree is brought to the UK by sea and overland.

       ... or a very nice gift and a good tradition?

       This year, councillor Andrew Smith, the Lord Mayor of Westminster, cut down the tree with help from Marianne Borgen, the Mayor of Oslo, and school children from Manglerud School and Ellingsrud？sen School.

       When it arrived in London a specialist rigging team erected the tree in Trafalgar Square using a hydraulic crane and adding energy-efficient light bulbs for decoration.

       Georgina Elizabeth, a London-based painter, said it looked as if it had been “hanging off the truck the whole way here”.

       Some more charitable souls have, however, rushed to its defence, with one saying it is a “very nice gift and a good tradition”.

       The Norwegian Embassy was not available for comment.