what is the history of a christmas tree

The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree can be traced back to the ancient Germanic practice of decorating evergreen trees during the winter solstice, which was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. In the 16th century, the custom of decorating trees was brought to England by Queen Elizabeth I. In the 19th century, the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree with lights and ornaments became popular in the United States after Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, brought the custom to England from his native Germany. Today, the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree has become a beloved part of the holiday season.