It is now the Christmas season, and many old and new traditions add to the holiday spirit.  Some traditions started back in the 16th century, or ancient Greek times. 

The most common and popular Christmas tradition is decorating the Christmas tree. This tradition dates way back to ancient Egypt and Rome. At this time, the evergreen was thought of as a spiritual symbol keeping away witches and ghosts. People would hang evergreen boughs on windows and doors. 

Decorating the tree started in Freiburg Germany. Some people put up a wood pyramid and then covered it with evergreens and candles. Others brought an evergreen tree into their homes and decorated it with apples, wafers, tinsel, and gingerbread. This became a common thing in Germany, and families would set up their “paradise tree” on December 24th, in recognition of the day of the feast for Adam and Eve. 

Christmas celebrations finally made their way to America in the 18th century. Before then, celebrating Christmas was frowned upon by the Puritan leaders of New England. Christmas sparked in the German community found in Pennsylvania. By 1890 Christmas trees became very popular in the US. Ornaments were arriving from Germany. Eventually, by the 20th century, Americans started making homemade ornaments to decorate their tree. The first Christmas tree lot in the US was opened by Mark Carr in 1851.

Christmas trees are now seen in 75% of homes in the US according to the American Christmas Tree Association. It has become a classic Christmas tradition to spread joy and happiness throughout the holiday season.