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A Christmas tree, or a Yule tree, is probably the most popular tradition associated with celebrating Christmas and Yuletide. Normally it is an evergreen tree brought into the home and decorated with beautiful lights and ornaments, during the days leading up to Christmas. Some people put their Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving. A Christmas star or angel is placed on top of the tree, signifying the Star of Bethlehem or the host of angels from the Nativity story.

Trees have been associated with the gospel for centuries. Historically there has been some controversy as to the custom of the Christmas tree, because of its Pagan origin. The custom of erecting of the Christmas tree can be traced to Germany in the sixteenth century. Neither an inventor nor single town can be identified as the sole origin for the lovely tradition.

During the eighteenth century the custom had become common in towns, but had not spread to rural areas. Catholic majorities regarded the Christmas tree as a Protestant custom. The Christmas tree was adopted by the Roman Catholic Church because it could not prevent people from using it.

By the early nineteenth century, the custom became popular to the nobility and royal courts, spreading as far as Russia. Princess Henrietta of Nassau-Weilburg introduced the Christmas tree to Vienna in 1816 and the custom spread through Austria in the following years.

Many cities in the United States with German connections lay claim to that country's first Christmas tree. Some people credit a German immigrant to Boston for being the first to introduce to America the custom of decorating the Christmas tree.

In the twentieth century many cities, towns, and department stores put up public Christmas trees outside. During the 1970's and 80's the largest Christmas tree in the world was put up every year on the property of The National Enquirer in Florida. This tradition grew into one of the most popular celebrations in the history of Southern Florida. Sadly it was discontinued on the death of the paper's founder in the 1980's.

In closing, as you can see the custom of the Christmas tree has been around for many centuries. I only capitalized on a few in this article, but there are many more. Neither an inventor nor single town can lay claim to this tradition. It doesn't matter who started it really. It is a very beautiful custom now and forever will be.

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