The Christmas Tree in History and Legend: Martin Luther's Tree. It is thought (in some quarters) that Martin Luther (and the early Lutherans) were the originators of the Christmas Tree custom. The story goes that Luther was moved by the firmament of the shining stars and wanted to create this in his own home, adorning a fir tree with twinkling candles. He stands with his wife and four children (and their pet dogs) admiring his creation.