Merry Christmas!
December 25 became the official celebration date for the birth of Christ in 350 A.D.
In the fourth century, church leaders wanted a day to commemorate Christ's birth. The Bible doesn't specify the date he was born, so Pope Julius I proclaimed it would be celebrated on December 25. Because celebrating Christ's birth isn't mentioned in the Bible and because December 25 coincided with pagan winter solstice festivals, some Christians disavowed the holiday. The Pilgrams didn't celebrate it, and Christmas wasn't declared a federal holiday in the U.S. until 1870.
Source: popes-and-papacy.com / via: history.com
Germany is credited with popularizing the tradition of the Christmas tree.
Even before Christmas was established, trees that were green all year long were symbolic for people in the winter. German Christians began putting trees in their homes in the 16th century, and it's believed Martin Luther was the first to decorate the tree with candles. German immigrants in Pennsylvania brought the tradition to the U.S.
Source: sacred-texts.com / via: history.com
The idea of Santa Claus originated with a monk in present-day Turkey named St. Nicholas in the third century.
St. Nicholas was said to have inherited a fortune that he gave away to the poor and sick. His legend and popularity spread through Europe with feasts commemorating him held on the anniversary of his death. His was particularly popular in Holland where he was known as "Sinter Klaas." Our modern depiction of Santa Claus was popularized in the 19th century in advertisements.
Source: vintageholidaycrafts.com / via: history.com
The first Christmas card was sent in 1843 in the U.K.
Sir Henry Cole, a government worker, and John Horsley, an artist, created the first Christmas card depicting people helping the poor and enjoying Christmas dinner with their family. Early Christmas cards usually had the Nativity, snow scenes or robins on them.
Source: static / via: whychristmas.com
