As usual people decorate their houses and light candles on the Christmas Eve. There is a tradition to decorate the Christmas tree with baubles, glass balls, toys and tinsel. It started in Germany in the 16th century.The legend says that Martin Luther, an important Christian leader, was walking home through the forest one Christmas Eve. Suddenly he looked up and saw a beautiful starlit sky. The stars looked like as if they were shining on the fir tree branches. When he came home, he put a small fir tree inside his house and decorated it with lighted candles. In England this tradition was introduced by Prince Albert, the German husband of Queen Victoria.The English people also hang mistletoe on the doors of their homes. They believe that this plant has magical powers. It can help peaceful and friendly people come in and keep out witches or evil spirits. They put presents under the Christmas tree and still hang stockings at the bedside of their children. t
