Christmas is just around the corner, and the world seems to already be celebrating it. Cities are decorated with holiday ornaments, churches are offering special praying sessions, and families are gathered to celebrate one of the most well known events of the year. However, Christmas stands out not only for its popularity but for its unique tradition that has crossed all boundaries. Its history dates back centuries and goes beyond just the exchange of gifts.
Christmas began as a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, a very important figure in the Christian religion, believed to be the son of God. However, the date of birth was never exactly recorded in the Bible, and , so, instead, Easter, the day of Jesus’s resurrection, was celebrated more often. So naturally, it wasn’t until the 4th century CE that Christmas was recognized officially as a religious holiday.
The date is believed to have been chosen under the influence of the ruling Roman Empire at the time. During late December, Romans celebrated multiple festivals already, and so by assigning the birth of Christ to a similar period, they believed it would help people get used to the new celebration easily and help Christianity to spread even faster.
So, by the late 4th century, Christmas was official, and Christianity expanded. The holiday gained religious prestige, and churches and communities gathered and celebrated. The day was used to communicate bible stories of the birth of Jesus.
However, despite the growing popularity, Christianity was not universally acknowledged, and some disagreed on the holiday. During the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, some criticized Christmas for weak biblical foundations, and the holiday was even entirely banned in some places, such as 17th century England and colonial America.
The Industrial Revolution was when Christmas began to take shape in the modern world. As social life boomed with urbanization, so did the writers and their works. Writers wrote increasingly about family, and so came Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The story was about generosity, compassion, and other Christian beliefs and captured the hearts of the public. This ultimately reshaped the public attitudes toward Christmas.
Many familiar traditions also emerged during this period. The Christmas tree, gift giving, and Santa Claus all spread around this time.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, Christmas changed beyond religious contexts. Through globalization and the Western culture, Christmas became a major international event and not just a religious celebration. Christmas is now celebrated in many non Christian countries, and in countries like South Korea and Japan, Christmas is more about decoration and socializing than religious worship. However, Christmas still remains a religious holiday for Christians.
Christmas also reflects global trends nowadays. The holiday season now reflects trends in international travel, commerce, and communication.
Christmas has come a long way, and overall, its meaning has changed from religion to a general celebration. The holiday shows how traditions can change over time and how their meanings are preserved. Christianity truly has evolved in response to social, political, and cultural changes, such as the Industrial Revolution and Protestant Reformation. The holiday remains a top attraction throughout the year and shows how the past shapes the present.
By. Daniel Song
Works Cited
Henao, Luis Andres. “The History of Christmas Becoming a Global Holiday.” AP News, 20 Dec. 2025, apnews.com/article/christmas-origin-history-jesus-gifts-santa-claus-af37867c2911d7368a9b8c835d6be138. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.
Mcgowan, Andrew. “How December 25 Became Christmas.” Biblical Archaeology Society, 10 Dec. 2019, www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/jesus-historical-jesus/how-december-25-became-christmas/.
Sorensen, Jon. “Why Is Christmas on December 25?” Catholic Answers, 2023, www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/why-december-25?utm_source=chatgpt.com. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.