The tradition of decorating Christmas trees is believed to have originated in the 16th century in Germany. The first documented use of a Christmas tree was by Martin Luther, a German Protestant reformer, who brought an evergreen tree inside his home and decorated it with candles to represent the light of Christ. The practice of decorating Christmas trees with lights and ornaments became popular in the 19th century and spread across Europe and North America. Today, Christmas trees are a beloved symbol of the holiday season and a cherished tradition for many families around the world.