The Christmas tree is a tradition that originated in Germany in the 16th century. It was believed that the evergreen tree symbolized eternal life and was used as a way to celebrate the winter solstice. The first recorded Christmas tree was set up in Riga, Latvia in 1510, and it quickly spread to other parts of Europe. The tradition eventually made its way to the United States in the 1800s, and the Christmas tree has since become a beloved symbol of the holiday season.