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The historical origin of Christmas has roots in Celtic, Norse and Roman paganism. Early European festivities revolved around the Winter Solstice. In the fourth century, Christian Church officials decided to designate Jesus' birthday as a holiday. The date of Jesus' birth is not mentioned in the Bible, so Pope Julius I chose December 25 as the designated day of celebration.Catholic Encyclopedia: Christmas
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Fast Facts
- 1038 A.D.: First called Cristes mæsse (Christ's mass)Catholic Encyclopedia: Christmas
- 1637: Banned in EnglandStill Water Revival Books: Christmas: Its Origins and Opposition to It
- Banned in puritan Boston from 1659 to 1681Massachusetts Travel Journal: When Christmas Was Banned in Boston
- Christmas was designated an official United States holiday on June 26, 1870America.gov: An Overview of U.S. Holidays
- Mithras was an ancient holiday which preceded Christmas
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Before it Was Christmas
Long before the holiday we know today as Christmas came into being, ancient civilizations celebrated the winter solstice. In ancient Rome, Saturnalia saw households feasting and decorating with laurel garlands and candles, and even exchanging gifts. Ancient Druids harvested mistletoe during the winter solstice and gave pieces to all of the households in the village to ward off evil. In Scandinavia ornaments decorated evergreen trees during Yule, and the men of the household set out to find the biggest yule log they could find.Zenzibar: The Pagan Origins of Christmas -
Gift Giving
Many modern Christmas celebrations revolve around gift-giving and the Christmas tree. These customs were popularized by the Western reinvention of Christmas during the 18th century.How Stuff Works: Christmas Santa Claus, a fictional character who flies in a magic sleigh pulled by reindeer to deliver gifts to children around the world, also became an important feature in Christmas legend and festivities during the 19th century. -
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Page revenue is subject to change as we obtain data from our partners
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The History of Christmas: Christmas History in America
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Library of Congress: Today in History: December 25th
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The History of Christmas: Christmas History in America
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Christmas History on Twitter Powered by Twitter
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Is off to watch a christmas film ha sack this history c/w for the night
@Laurababes | November 07, 2009 10:13 PM -
@LuvSick4JustinB me too maths and english but my history is do until christmas
@JustinBieber_xx | November 07, 2009 10:04 PM -
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@danlight Only 14 Christmas movies in history have grossed more than $50m domestically. Only one opened in December (& that was on the 1st).
@slashfilm | November 07, 2009 08:11 PM -
I agree! This is our history! RT @ThePoliticista It feels like Christmas morning! I'm loving the #hcr debate on @CSPAN right now. :)
@GAPeachinNYC | November 07, 2009 07:13 PM
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Questions and Answers About Christmas History | View All | Ask a Question
View All Christmas History Questions (1046) | Ask a QuestionAre we in history? (7 Answers)Webster's Dictionary defines history as "the branch of knowledge dealing with past events" or "the aggregate of past events" so by definition, we are in history as soon as it ... read moreWhat do you do on Christmas? (16 Answers)This year, I am doing something completely different than I have ever done. I will celebrate the holidays with my husband's family in Michigan. I am not quite sure what ... read moreWhat is your favorite Christmas memory? (19 Answers)Sitting in bed waiting for Santa with anticipation. I was 7 years old and still believed that Santa Claus was a real live person. My brother was fast asleep in ... read more
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Christmas History on Amazon | View All
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Christmas Unwrapped - The History of Christmas [VHS] - $19.95
People all over the world celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th. But why is the Savior's nativity marked by gift giving, and was He really born on that day? And just where did the Christmas tree come from? Take an enchanting jo...
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Christmas: A Candid History - $12.95
Written for everyone who loves and is simultaneously driven crazy by the holiday season, Christmas: A Candid History provides an enlightening, entertaining perspective on how the annual Yuletide celebration got to be what it is today...
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Christmas Unwrapped - The History of Christmas (History Channel) (A&E DVD Archives) - $24.95
From santa claus to the christmas tree this is an enchanting look at some of the most beloved christmas traditions. Studio: A&e Home Video Release Date: 04/26/2005
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All About Christmas. History, Traditions, Carols, Stories, Recipies & more. FREE first & last chapters in the trial version - $5.99
The illustrated book gives historical and cultural background of Christmas. Navigate easily to any chapter from Table of Contents or search for the words or phrases. Features Who is Mrs. Claus? How to make an...
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Christmas History Timeline
- 274: Romans celebrated Solis Invicti on December 25th
- 336: First celebration of Christmas on December 25th recorded in Chronography of 354Virtue Science: The Number 336
- 800: Prominence grew for Christmas Day after Charlemagne was crowned on December 25thThen Again: Charlemagne Crowned
- 1637: Christmas celebration banned by England's Puritan rulersStill Water Revival Books: Christmas: Its Origins and Opposition to It
- 1660: Restoration ended the ban on ChristmasThe Christmas Archives: A Thumbnail History of Christmas
- 1659: Outlawed in Boston till 1681Massachusetts Travel Journal: When Christmas Was Banned in Boston
- 1843: Charles Dickens book A Christmas Carol helped revives Christmas as a holidayCharles Dickens Gad's Hill Place: A Christmas Carol'
- 1863: Thomas Nast drew the popular image of Santa Claus which he updated yearlySon of the South: Santa Claus Pictures
- 1870: Christmas declared a federal holidayAmerica.gov: An Overview of U.S. Holidays
- 1897: The popular letter "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" was writtenNewseum: "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus"
- 1914: The Christmas Truce of 1914 during World War IHistory.com: The Christmas Truce of 1914
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