Christmas festivals today incorporate many other Pagan customs, such as the use of holly, mistletoe, Yule logs, and wassail bowls. The custom, from Germany but of Aryan origin, of bringing a evergreen tree into the home and festooning it with lights, candies and gifts became popular in Britain in the mid-nineteenth century, partly because of the example set by Queen Victoria and the German Prince Consort, Albert. The Christmas tree is the most obvious aspect of ancient Pagan celebrations which were later incorporated into church rites. Only in the last 50 years or so has developed the cheerful custom of householders placing it in a window so it is visible in the street. Behind it is the pre-Christian cults of Germanic tribes in the forests of Prussia and Central Europe.

The Christian celebration was originally derived in part from rites held by pre-Christian Germanic and Celtic peoples to celebrate the winter solstice. The Christmas fir tree, because it keeps its green needles throughout the winter months, was believed by pre-Christian Pagans to have special powers of protection against the forces of nature and evil spirits. Particular trees and groves were accounted sacred and could be approached only by priests. The Christmas tree is derived from the so-called paradise tree, symbolizing Eden, of German mystery plays. The use of a Christmas tree began early in the seventeenth century, in Strasbourg, France, spreading from there through Germany, into northern Europe and Great Britain, and then on to the United States.