References to a Christmas tree as such do not appear in the early sources which mention other winter festival plants. However, illuminating trees was part of an early Germanic Yuletide tradition which began on the first full moon after the winter solstice, 21 December. Evergreen branches were hung inside and candles lit to ward off evil spirits.
The changes to our calendar during early Christianity named the start of Yuletide as December 25th. It’s not hard to imagine that over time the winter decorations of evergreen branches and candles combined to produce a decorated, lit tree.
Decoration
Early Christmas tree decorations were very practical, food, drink, warm clothes and money, which children were encouraged to shake free. A 1601 watercolour shows St. Christopher holding Jesus next to a tree decorated with food and drink.
Royal connection
Christmas trees came to Britain in the first half of the 19th century, probably via a number of German associations, Hessian Soldiers serving in George III's army, German merchants and also, significantly, German members of the Royal Household. In 1800 Queen Charlotte, wife of George III was said to have celebrated Christmas in a German fashion. Queen Caroline, wife of George IV also had a Christmas tree in 1821.