The History of Christmas; A Journey Through Time

As holiday time approaches, millions around the world unite to decorate, shop and count down the days until the festive holiday that is Christmas. December 25th is a holiday rich in history and cultural significance, and is beloved by millions around the world. But how did this festive season come to be? 

Although Christmas is marked by the birth of Jesus Christ, the origins of this festivity dates back to ancient times long before the birth of Jesus Christ. The inspiration for many Christmas festivities originate from pagan traditions, such as Yule and Saturnalia. Many early cultures celebrated the winter solstice with festivals and since prehistoric times, the winter solstice has been a significant time of year characterized by festivals and rites. For example, in Ancient Rome, a week-long festival called Saturnalia was held involving feasting, parties and the exchanging of gifts, which leads up to the date of the winter solstice in the ancient Roman calendar, December 25.

 Meanwhile, the North Germanic peoples celebrate Yule, originally including a feast hosted by the Norwegian king, Haakon the Good. However, Yule is also celebrated by lighting fires, rituals to ensure good fortune and the decoration of evergreens, such as the Yule log. These traditions have been incorporated into modern Christmas traditions, with the decoration of Christmas trees, which originated in Germany in the 16th century, and travelled to England around the 18th century. 

Previously in the 4th Century, early Christians chose December 25 as the day to honour Jesus’s birth, merging existing pagan traditions with Christian beliefs. By the Middle Ages, Christmas had evolved into a vibrant celebration featuring feasting, parades and community gatherings.

However, Christmas was not welcomed by all. In the 17th century, groups like the Puritans opposed its celebration, as they believed it was closely tied to pagan traditions and that it lacked biblical support. Yet, Christmas made a strong comeback, especially in the 19th Century when the Victorian era saw a revival of Christmas traditions. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularised the German customs of exchanging gifts and decorating Christmas trees, quickly adopting these practices in Britain’s celebration of Christmas. Additionally, Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella “A Christmas Carol” played a significant role in shaping our modern perception of Christmas. The novella exemplified themes of family, goodwill and generosity, influencing the modern celebration. These Victorian Era influences have shaped our perception of Christmas that we know and love. 

Today, Christmas is a time for family, generosity, and joy, with diverse traditions celebrated across the globe. It remains a testament to how cultural customs can unite people in celebration, regardless of their backgrounds or personal beliefs. As we prepare to gather with loved ones this holiday season, let us remember the rich history that makes Christmas special. 

By Hazel Alexander