The earliest I could find is the Christmas tree dates back to the 7th or so century. A monk saw a fir tree and, while he looked at it, it reminded him of all three corners representing The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. I believe today we have taken this time of the year, and turned it into a time that does not represent Christ. In other words, we have turned Christmas into a commercial holiday. We are consumed with receiving rather than giving. What’s the new hottest toy on the market? I remember when Tickle Me Elmo came out, everyone one had to have it. Then xbox 360 and Playstation 3 came out. We are a consuming society. That’s the truth. “The Cross is God’s Christmas tree,” James Vernon Magee says.  It is the cross that give us grace and forgiveness of our sin. Mathew chapter 1:21 says “she shall bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus for he will save his people from their sin” ESV  That is the main gift God gives us: Forgivness. Another gift Christ gives us is peace - A calmness of sprit no matter what the outer circunstances. And finally, joy.  Many people confuse joy and happiness. Happiness is is like for example I get a new car or a when my mom or dad comes to check me out of class early to see a movie in elementry school.  On the other hand, joy comes from the sprit. It is an inner joy. May God bless you this christmas and remember the real meaning of Christmas.