A Christmas tree is an evergreen tree, usually a fir or pine, decorated with lights, ornaments, and other decorations during the Christmas season. Families traditionally place a Christmas tree in their homes in December, decorating it with colorful balls, tinsel, candy canes, and strings of lights, often topping it with a star or angel.

The custom of decorating evergreen trees at Christmas began in Germany centuries ago and spread throughout the world. People chose evergreen trees because they stay green through winter, symbolizing life and hope during the darkest, coldest time of year. Today, families might use a real tree that fills the house with a fresh pine scent, or an artificial tree that can be reused year after year.

Many families make decorating the Christmas tree a special tradition, with each person hanging their favorite ornaments while listening to holiday music. Some ornaments get passed down through generations, each one holding memories of past Christmases. In town squares and cities, enormous Christmas trees often stand as community decorations, sometimes reaching several stories tall. The lighting of these big public trees frequently marks the beginning of the holiday season, drawing crowds who gather to watch the moment when thousands of lights illuminate the tree for the first time.