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The origins of Christmas can be traced back to pagan and Roman traditions.
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Many early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter, rejoicing during the winter solstice.
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In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January.
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The church fixed the date of Jesus’s birth as December 25 in the early fourth century. This corresponds to the traditional date of the winter solstice on the Roman calendar.
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Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion.
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Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.
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December 25—Christmas Day—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.
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For Christians, Christmas is a time to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing themes of love, peace, and goodwill toward all.
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Since the early 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular family holiday, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, devoid of Christian elements, and marked by an increasingly elaborate exchange of gifts.
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In this secular Christmas celebration, a mythical figure named Santa Claus plays the pivotal role.