where did the custom of the christmas tree come from

The tradition of the Christmas tree can be traced back to the 16th century in Germany, where people would bring a tree indoors and decorate it with candles and fruit. It was believed that the light from the candles would bring joy and warmth into the home during the dark winter months. The Christmas tree then spread throughout Europe, eventually reaching England in the 19th century. Here, Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, popularized the tradition by bringing a tree into Windsor Castle in 1841. Today, the Christmas tree has become a worldwide symbol of the holiday season and a beloved tradition in many homes.