Christmas Articles

 Christmas History

Since AD 354, Christmas has been celebrated on December 25th in the western world.  Originally celebrated on January 6th, Christmas history has been disputed for centuries.

The Pagans held to their traditions and winter festivals, mainly practiced in parts of the Middle East and Europe, while Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ.  The Christmas story, or the birth of Jesus, is a widely held belief and tradition of Christmas past.

The Christmas story is perhaps one of the western world's best known accounts of Christmas history.  In this story of Christmas past, God's son, Jesus, was born to a virgin.  He was the savior for all Christians. On the night of His birth, what was to become known as Christmas, a bright star shone in the east and guided people to Him as He lay in his manger.  These visitors brought gifts and celebrated His arrival.  In modern times Christians celebrate Christmas with Jesus’ birth as the primary focus.

Other traditions give Christmas history as a celebration of the winter solstice and Pagan winter festivals.

Many of these festivals and traditions were celebrated long before Jesus was born. The tradition of gift giving has origins in many countries.  In Italy, a witch rides her broomstick down the chimney to deliver toys.

In other countries it is Saint Nicholas or Santa Clause.  The Night Before Christmas is a traditional Christmas story that details a visit from Santa Clause. Traditions of Christmas have evolved over time and countries have borrowed elements from each other.

Different cultures have different beliefs and celebrate differently, but one thing is for certain:  Christmas will be celebrated, in one form or another.