What is the meaning of the tree at Christmas?

Long before Christian times the Vikings adorned evergreen trees in winter, with pieces of food and clothes, small statues of the Gods, and carved runes to entice the tree spirits to come back in the spring.

"Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort, is usually credited with having introduced the Christmas tree into England in 1840. However, the honour of establishing this tradition in the United Kingdom rightfully belongs to ‘good Queen Charlotte’, the German wife of George III, who set up the first known English tree at Queen’s Lodge, Windsor, in December, 1800." History Today. First Christmas Tree 

In Canada the first use of an evergreen as a Christmas tree occurred in Sorel, Quebec in 1781.  Next recorded use was in Halifax in 1846. 

But what does it mean today?  What does it mean for me?

I think there is something deeper than the commercially store bought tree - real or manufactured.  The time of Christmas, the traditions of presents, sweets, and wine, shared with friends and family, is really a time for celebrating a human bond.  Yes we  could do it as the Vikings did without the credit card bills. 

The tree represents something that's strong and lasting, with roots and branches, a ritual which offers a brief comfort, a focus on creating beauty over the tragedies of the world.