For years people have celebrated Christmas with warm memories and decorated Christmas trees.  But where did this tradition of the Christmas tree begin?  There are many signs that show how this tradition might have developed throughout the years .

For centuries, the tree has played an important part in winter celebrations.  In ancient times,  people believed that evergreen trees were magical because they stayed green throughout the year, while other trees turned brown and bare during the winter.  People saw them as a symbol of life; a sign that spring would return.  The lights used to decorate the Christmas tree can also be seen as an ancient symbol .  They represent the victory of the light of spring over the darkness of winter. 

 In addition to these beliefs, there are many tales about how the Christmas tree came to be such a treasured holiday symbol.  One such tale tells us of how Martin Luther, the founder of the Protestant religion,  was out walking through the woods one night when he noticed the bright stars in the sky twinkling through the branches of the trees.  He was so amazed at the beauty of it, that he cut down a small tree, took it home to his family, and decorated it with candles to represent the stars that he'd seen.

The custom supposedly spread throughout Germany and the rest of the world.  It was introduced to Queen Victoria in 1841,  when she married Prince Albert of Germany, and he set up a Christmas tree in Windsor Castle to remind him of his home.  The tradition was brought to America by both the English and German immigrants in the 1800's.  And...it's been an honored tradition here ever since.

Though there are many tales about the Christmas tree, I think the following would have to be my favorite...

THE LEGEND OF THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE

The night of the Saviour's birth, all the living creatures, both flora and fauna, came to Bethlehem with gifts. The olive tree brought its fruit and the palm its dates. But the little fir tree had no gift and was so tired it couldn't resist when the big trees pushed it into the background and hid it from view. But then a nearby angel took pity and commanded a cluster of stars to come and rest on its delicate boughs. When the Baby Jesus beheld this lovely lighted tree, He smiled and blessed it, declaring henceforth that fir trees should always be filled with lights at Christmastime to please little children.

Whatever the Christmas tree's true origin, it's a beautiful tradition, and one that I'm proud to pass on to my children.