Some Christmas traditions, like the tree, may have distant pagan associations, but their current use by Christians is not tied to idolatry. When deciding whether it is okay to have a Christmas tree, what is most important is honoring Christ with sincere hearts and keeping Him at the center of our celebrations.
The Bible does not forbid Christmas trees, though it does warn against idolatry and adopting pagan worship practices. Passages like Jeremiah 10 and Isaiah 44 speak against making idols from trees, not against holiday decorations, so using those verses as arguments against decorating trees at Christmas is missing the point. Romans 14:5–6 and Colossians 2:16–17 help us see the importance of honoring God in our personal convictions and freedom in observing special days and traditions. While there are pagan roots to the worship of evergreen trees, the modern Christmas tree tradition began with Christians in 16th-century Germany who wanted to symbolize aspects of Christ’s birth, not pagan worship. Whether or not a Christian chooses to use a Christmas tree should be based on faith, discernment, and a desire to glorify Jesus in all things.
Some have argued Christians should not have a Christmas tree because the practice is associated with pagan worship. Christians today who use a Christmas tree do not use it in any form of pagan worship. Instead it is part of Christmas tradition, one piece in the larger celebration of the birth of Jesus. Simply having a Christmas tree is not inherently sinful since no pagan worship is taking place. Was that always the case? No, not necessarily.
There is evidence of trees, or at least evergreen boughs, being associated with pagan worship. However, the tradition of Christmas trees began with Protestant Christians in Germany in the 16th century. The star on the tree was used to remember the star followed by the wise men (Matthew 2:1-12). In some cases, trees were topped by an angel to remember the angels who appeared to the shepherds on the night of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:8-14). Clearly, the meaning of the Christmas tree was Christianized to celebrate Christ’s birth not to worship a false deity.
There is no biblical command regarding the use of Christmas trees, or Christmas at all. As mentioned, the modern practice of Christmas trees associated with the celebration of Christ's birth began only 500 years ago. Of course, this practice is also cultural, since evergreen trees are not available for use in celebration in some cultures. Celebrating Christmas with or without a Christmas tree or celebrating Christmas at all is a matter of conviction (Romans 14). What matters is that we honor God with a sincere heart and keep Christ at the center of our celebration. Whether we choose to include a Christmas tree or not, the focus should always be on glorifying God and remembering the gift of Jesus. As Romans 14 reminds us, each believer must be fully convinced in their own mind, acting in faith and not judgment. Traditions can be meaningful tools to point us to Christ—but only if our hearts remain anchored in Him.