<P> A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer such as spruce, pine, or fir or an artificial tree of similar appearance, associated with the celebration of Christmas . The modern Christmas tree was developed in medieval Livonia (present - day Estonia and Latvia) and early modern Germany, where Protestant Germans brought decorated trees into their homes . It acquired popularity beyond the Lutheran areas of Germany and the Baltic countries during the second half of the 19th century, at first among the upper classes . </P> <P> The tree was traditionally decorated with "roses made of colored paper, apples, wafers, tinsel, (and) sweetmeats". In the 18th century, it began to be illuminated by candles, which were ultimately replaced by Christmas lights after the advent of electrification . Today, there is a wide variety of traditional ornaments, such as garlands, baubles, tinsel, and candy canes . An angel or star might be placed at the top of the tree to represent the Angel Gabriel or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity . Edible items such as gingerbread, chocolate and other sweets are also popular and are tied to or hung from the tree's branches with ribbons . </P>

Where did decorating a christmas tree come from