History of Christmas
Discover the fascinating origins and evolution of Christmas traditions through the centuries.
Why is Christmas on 25 December?
Nobody knows the date of Jesus's birth, and the Bible gives none. December 25th was fixed by the Roman church in the 4th century — the first record is from 336 AD — most likely because it already carried midwinter festivals such as Saturnalia and Sol Invictus, and because it sits nine months after the Annunciation on 25 March. Almost everything now thought of as traditional is far younger: the decorated tree spread from 16th-century Germany, Christmas cards began in 1843, and the modern Santa was assembled through the 19th century from Dutch Sinterklaas, a Clement Clarke Moore poem, and Thomas Nast's cartoons.
- First recorded 25 December
- 336 AD, Rome
- Christmas tree
- 16th-century Germany
- First Christmas card
- 1843, London
- Modern Santa image
- Assembled 1820s–1880s
Origins of Christmas
From pagan winter solstice celebrations to the Christian holiday we know today.
Read the traditions guide →
📜Christmas Around the World
How 20 countries celebrate — the customs, foods, and figures unique to each.
Explore by country →
📜The Christmas Tree
From ancient pagan tree worship to the German Tannenbaum tradition to today.
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📜The Advent Calendar
A 19th-century German counting ritual that became a chocolate industry.
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📜Christmas Carols
How Christmas music evolved from medieval hymns to pop chart-toppers.
Read the music guide →
📜Mistletoe & Kissing
Norse myth, druid ritual, and how a parasitic plant became a Christmas licence to kiss.
Read the story →