Christianity began to spread throughout the Roman Empire in the first centuries AD, and early Christians commemorated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but the specific date of Jesus’ birth was not initially celebrated.

The Bible does not specify a birth date for Jesus. The earliest Christians focused on Easter as the central holy day. It wasn’t until the 4th century AD that December 25 was chosen as the official date to celebrate Jesus’ birth.

Why December 25?

There are several theories about why December 25 was selected:

• Coinciding with Roman Festivals: The date may have been chosen to coincide with Saturnalia or the birthday of Sol Invictus (“The Unconquered Sun”), a Roman sun god celebrated on December 25. By aligning Christmas with existing pagan festivals, Christian leaders may have sought to ease conversion of pagans to Christianity.
   

• Symbolism of Light: December 25 marks the period soon after the winter solstice, symbolizing the “Light of the World” coming into darkness—an apt metaphor for the birth of Christ.
   

The first recorded celebration of Christmas on December 25 was in Rome in 336 AD.

Medieval Christmas: Expansion and Traditions

During the Middle Ages, Christmas became widely celebrated throughout Christian Europe. The holiday incorporated a mix of religious observances and secular customs, many of which stemmed from earlier pagan traditions.

Religious Observance

Church services, including Mass at midnight, commemorated the nativity of Jesus. Nativity plays—dramatic reenactments of the birth—became popular, helping the largely illiterate population understand the Christmas story.

Secular Customs

• Feasting: Christmas was a time for feasting on special foods like roasted meats, pies, and sweets.

• Gift-Giving: Exchanging gifts, especially among the wealthy, began to take root, though it was less commercialized than today.

• Decorations: Evergreen trees and wreaths symbolizing eternal life were used to decorate homes.

• Mumming and Carolling: Groups of people went door-to-door performing plays or singing carols in exchange for food or money.

The Lord of Misrule: A figure appointed to oversee festive celebrations, often turning social order upside down for fun. shutdown123