The Christmas tree has become one of the most beloved and well known holiday symbols. The tradition of a holiday tree has been around since ancient times and has played an important role in celebrations for many centuries. In Northern Europe the Vikings considered the evergreen a symbol and a reminder that the darkness and cold of winter would end and the green of spring would return.
The Druids of ancient England and France decorated oak trees with fruit and candles to honor their gods. At the Saturnalia festival the Romans decorated trees with trinkets and candles.

The use of a Christmas tree indoors appears to have begun in Germany. German Christians would bring trees into their homes to decorate. In some areas evergreen trees were scarce so the families would build a Christmas pyramid, simple wooden structures which they decorated with branches and candles.

The tradition of the Christmas tree eventually spread through. The English Royalty helped popularize the tree in England by decorating the first Christmas tree at Windsor Castle in 1841. Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, decorated the first English Christmas Tree with candles, candies, fruits, and gingerbread.

When German immigrants arrived in America they brought along their Christmas trees.
Early Christmas trees were often decorated with apples, nuts, cookies, colored popcorn and candles. The invention of electricity in the early 20th century and use of electrical Christmas lights helped spread the use of the Christmas tree.