The Origins of the Christmas Tree The Christmas Tree is often thought of as a recent tradition only a few hundred years old. The truth however is that this European tradition is much older. The tradition likely goes back to Continental German pagan customs, where Germanics would dress up a communal tree with treats, fruit, toys and even flowers. The tradition came to America with German & Irish immigrants. The movement of the tree from an outside communal tree to an indoor familial tree arose due to needing to hide the Pagan custom from the Church, who would execute people for "Idolatry" as a continuation of traditions akin to the Yule Log and sacred winter Evergreens. After A Christmas Carol and the popularity of the British Royal Families Christmas Tree the custom blew up becoming widespread across Europe and North America and appearing in a myriad of artistic representations alongside Sinterklaas, Santa Claus, Holly King, Father Christmas and other Yuletide figures. -TLK