Who Invented Christmas Day?
If you’ve ever wondered who “invented” Christmas Day, the answer isn’t straightforward. Christmas Day as we know it was shaped by a combination of religious decisions and cultural traditions over centuries. The early Christian Church didn’t initially celebrate the birth of Jesus; instead, they focused on his resurrection during Easter. It wasn’t until the 4th century that the Church decided to establish December 25th as the official date for Christmas. Historians believe this decision was made by Pope Julius I, who aimed to align the celebration of Jesus’ birth with existing pagan festivals like the Roman Saturnalia and the winter solstice. These festivals were already popular, making it easier to introduce a new Christian holiday. Over the centuries, the way Christmas was celebrated continued to evolve. In medieval Europe, it became a mix of religious devotion and lively feasts. The Puritans later tried to ban Christmas in the 17th century, deeming it too rowdy and unholy. Howeve...