where did the tradition of the christmas tree come from

The tradition of the Christmas tree can be traced back to the 16th century, when Germans began decorating evergreens in their homes during the winter solstice. The tradition was later popularized by Queen Victoria, who had a Christmas tree set up in Windsor Castle in the 1800s. Since then, the Christmas tree has become a beloved symbol of the holiday season, representing the spirit of hope, joy, and family togetherness.