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- 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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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
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 ChristmasGift 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.-
Christmas History Questions
Are we in history? 7 AnswersWebster'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 histor... read more
What do you do on Christmas? 16 AnswersThis 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 s... read more
What is your favorite Christmas memory? 19 AnswersSitting 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 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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