The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree dates back to ancient times. In pre-Christian cultures, trees were seen as sacred symbols of life and fertility. When Christianity spread across Europe, it adopted many of these traditions, including the use of evergreen trees. In the 16th century, Germans began decorating trees with candles and small ornaments to represent the stars in the sky and symbolize the birth of Jesus. The tradition caught on and spread around the world. Today, Christmas trees are a beloved part of the holiday season, representing the beauty and joy of the season.