The tradition of decorating Christmas trees can be traced back to 16th-century Germany, where the practice of bringing greenery into the home during the winter months was common. The use of trees specifically began to gain popularity in the 18th century, with the first documented use of an evergreen tree being in the town of Strasbourg, France. The tradition spread throughout Europe, and by the 19th century, the Christmas tree was a staple of the holiday season in many countries.