Christmas

In This Article

santa claus nast, santa claus and his works, thomas nast santa
MSU Museum
A colored illustration from Thomas Nast’s
“Santa Claus and His Works,” 1866.

Q&A: The History of the Christmas Celebration

December 17, 2013 10:00 AM
by Denis Cummings
Find out why we celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, when the holiday became popular in America, and from where the traditions of Santa Claus and the Christmas tree are derived.
read more »
More Christmas
  • The Origins of Christmas
    December 17, 2013 09:00 AM
    Since the mid-fourth century, Western Christians have celebrated Christmas on Dec. 25 to honor the birth date of Jesus Christ. The date is not supported by Biblical evidence, however, and the true origins of the celebration may lie in secular festivals centered around the winter solstice.
    read more »
  • Q&A: The History of the Christmas Celebration
    December 22, 2011 10:00 AM
    Find out why we celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, when the holiday became popular in America, and from where the traditions of Santa Claus and the Christmas tree are derived.
    read more »
  • The Origins of Christmas
    December 22, 2011 09:00 AM
    Since the mid-fourth century, Western Christians have celebrated Christmas on Dec. 25 to honor the birth date of Jesus Christ. The date is not supported by Biblical evidence, however, and the true origins of the celebration may lie in secular festivals centered around the winter solstice.
    read more »
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