The Christmas tree tradition started in the early 16th century in Germany, where people would decorate fir trees with candles and other decorations as part of a celebration of the winter solstice. Over time, this tradition spread to other countries, including England, where the first recorded use of the term "Christmas tree" was in 1835. In the United States, the tradition gained popularity in the 1850s, with many immigrants from Germany and England bringing the tradition with them. Today, the Christmas tree is a symbol of the holiday season and can be found in homes and businesses all around the world.