To tree or not to tree?

Okay, corny title. But Christmas trees seem to be a controversial issue to Christians lately. Are they pagan or not? Well, I am one for researching the heck out of anything I am curious about. I like to read several articles from several sources rather than believe just one. Call me skeptical, but I tend to think this as practical (b/c I don’t automatically believe everything I’m told)! Anyway, I actually did my research about 3 months ago knowing Christmas was not that far off. Here is what I found: Yes, pagans used to worship trees as part of their “winter solstice” celebration. They even murdered people under these trees to appease their gods. But here’s the thing, it was oak trees, and it had nothing to do with Christmas. The actual Christmas tree for Christmas’ sake is a tradition begun in Europe during the middle ages. The decorations were apples, wafers, pastries, and other symbols used to represent the Eucharist. A German monk in the seventh century chose the triangular shape of the tree to symbolize the trinity, and referred to it as “God’s tree.” After this is was brought to America where fruits, nuts, candy, and flowers were added, and eventually blown glass. Brining trees indoors and lights were added by Martin Luther to symbolize the light of Christ (I don’t actually like Martin Luther due to the fact he was a very hateful anti-Semite, but this is not my point today). So the pagan Winter Solstice tree was for a different purpose than the Christmas tree.
Another reason fir trees are used: there is a story that says that while Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus were fleeing Herod, they stooped by a fir tree to hide and rest. Supposedly baby Jesus then blessed the tree. They say if you cut open a pine cone lengthwise, that you can still see what looks like a hand print. Also: when Saint Boniface saw pagans worshiping an OAK tree, he became angry & cut it down. A FIR tree grew in its place. The “saint” told the pagans that this tree was a tree of Christ and that it symbolized His promise to the world of eternal life.
As long as your tree is not your idol then I don’t believe God would be offended by it. I have many warm childhood memories with my family decorating our tree. My sister and I used to get to open an early gift of an ornament when we put up the tree. It was a bonding family moment, which I believe God was pleased with. I love the warm and cozy glow Christmas lights bring to a darkened room; it still feels a little “magical.”
(The photo was taken in 2004. I’m not putting a tree up this year due to my crazy dogs I know would knock it over.)