The history of Christmas: Why Christians celebrate the holiday

For some, Christmas is a year-round obsession; for others, it’s a cherished annual celebration filled with meals, gifts, church services, and community activities. Whether you observe Christmas as a religious holiday or simply enjoy the festive spirit, its origins are fascinating.

Christmas, celebrated on December 25, has a complex history. While its religious significance for Christians is well-known, the connection between Jesus’ birth and December 25 wasn’t made until centuries after his death. In fact, early Christians adopted this date in the 4th century, possibly linking it to the Roman winter solstice, when the Sun was worshiped.

Before the 19th century, Christmas wasn’t widely celebrated in New England, where many rejected it as a feast day, citing the lack of proof Jesus was born on December 25. It wasn’t until Clement Moore’s poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, in the 1820s that traditions like Santa Claus and gift-giving became popular in America.

The name “Christmas” comes from the medieval English term Christ Mass, referring to the Catholic mass on Christ’s birth. The tradition of hanging stockings stems from the Dutch celebration of St. Nicholas Day, where St. Nicholas allegedly placed gold in stockings for a poor family.

Ultimately, Christmas’s history blends religious, cultural, and commercial influences, making it a holiday enjoyed by many, regardless of their beliefs.