Christmas is widely known today as a festive season of family gatherings, gift-giving, bright lights, and joyous feasts. But long before it became the world’s most celebrated holiday, its origins were rooted in religious tradition, shaped by ancient customs, and transformed through culture and history.

Christian beginnings

In early Christianity, Easter — not Christmas — was the central celebration. It was not until the fourth century that church leaders officially declared the birth of Jesus as a holiday. Since the Bible did not specify a date, Pope Julius I chose 25 December, a decision believed to align with and absorb traditions of pagan winter solstice festivals, particularly the Roman Saturnalia. The event was called the Feast of the Nativity and gradually spread across the Christian world, from Egypt in 432 to England by the late sixth century.

By aligning Christmas with existing celebrations, church leaders ensured its popularity, though they could no longer control how it was observed. By the Middle Ages, Christianity had largely replaced pagan practices, but Christmas celebrations were far from solemn. After attending church, people marked the holiday with feasts, revelry, and carnival-like merrymaking. A “lord of misrule” was appointed to lead festivities, and the poor would visit wealthy homes for food and drink—often receiving it to avoid pranks or mischief. It became a time when the rich symbolically repaid society by sharing their fortune.

Eastern and Oriental Orthodox traditions

In Eastern Orthodox churches, Christmas is still celebrated on 25 December, but due to use of the Julian calendar, it falls on 7 January in the Gregorian calendar. In Armenia — the first nation to adopt Christianity — the celebration is held on 6 January. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church also observes Christmas on 7 January. The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria celebrates on 25 December in the Julian calendar, while some Syriac Orthodox communities mark it either on 25 December or 6 January, depending on local customs.

Christmas around the world

As Christianity spread globally, so did Christmas traditions — evolving as they interacted with local cultures. In many non-Western countries where Christianity is not the majority, Christmas remains largely a religious holiday, though Western influences introduced cultural elements such as trees, wreaths, and carols.

In Latin America, festivities blend faith and cultural identity. In Mexico, Las Posadas reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, while children break piñatas filled with treats. In Brazil, Christmas falls in the summer and features picnics, fireworks, and midnight mass.

In India, families decorate mango or bamboo trees, and homes are adorned with paper stars and leaves. In Japan, where Christians represent a small minority, Christmas has evolved into a secular celebration marked by illuminated streets, festive decorations, and familiar Western songs like “White Christmas.”