Sun West Art Club

History of Christmas

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The Roman Catholic Church chose December 25th in the 4th century, possibly to coincide with pagan winter festivals.

Modern traditions developed over centuries: Christmas trees from Germany, gift-giving from St. Nicholas, and Christmas cards from Victorian England.

Christmas wasn't widely celebrated in early America due to Puritan influence, but gained popularity in the 19th century through literature and immigrant traditions.

It became a federal holiday in 1870. Today, Christmas is celebrated both as a religious holiday and secular cultural celebration featuring family gatherings, gifts, decorated trees, and festive meals.