Christmas trees have been at the heart of American Christmas holiday celebrations since the 1800s. The beloved tradition began in the Northeast and migrated west with pioneers and settlers.

The tradition of bringing an evergreen tree indoors and adding decorations began in Germany. The tradition evolved from winter solstice customs and as a symbol of everlasting life.

When German settlers came to the United States in the mid-1800s, they brought their Christmas traditions with them.

The Christmas tree tradition gained international appeal in 1848, when the popular royal couple, German-born Prince Albert and Queen Victoria were shown in a London News illustration standing around a decorated Christmas tree with their children. This image helped popularize the tradition in Western cultures,

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