The Christmas tree's roots can be traced back to the Roman Saturnalia festival in mid-December. In the 8th century AD, German missionary Saint Boniface used a fir tree to honor the Christ Child. In the 16th century, reformer Martin Luther designed a Christmas tree decorated with candles and balls for his home. By the 19th century, Christmas trees gained widespread popularity in Germany and gradually spread to countries like the United Kingdom and the United States, becoming one of the most renowned traditions of Christmas celebrations.