Everything you need to know about Christmas, and how it has evolved into a global holiday
Summary
Christmas, originally a Christian holiday marking the birth of Jesus, has evolved into a global cultural celebration with diverse traditions such as gift-giving, Christmas trees, and even KFC in Japan.
Key Points
- Christmas originated as a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus but was not initially celebrated annually by early followers.
- The December 25 date for Christmas was established in the 4th century, possibly coinciding with pagan winter solstice festivals.
- Modern Christmas traditions like decorated Christmas trees and gift-giving have roots in 19th-century Germany and were popularized in Britain and America.
- Santa Claus originates from St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop, and Christmas customs vary worldwide including unique practices like eating KFC in Japan.
