Christmas began as a religious holiday, but has been celebrated by many people regardless of their religious beliefs. This holiday has become a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. It has been a federal holiday since 1870, but was celebrated much earlier than that across the world.
Many people believe in different religions that alter the meaning of this holiday. In Europe people for centuries have celebrated the Yule season from December 21, to January, for the end of the long cold and dark winter season. We can trace the legend of Santa Claus back to 280 A.D., where a monk St. Nicholas was born, who eventually helped the poor and sick by giving away his wealth. In the late 18th century, the United States made Santa Claus part of pop culture when Dutch families in New York honored the death of Saint Nicholas. In Rome they celebrated a few gods during this winter solstice period with large parties for a whole month. One of the gods was Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, born on December 25. Germans honored the pagan god called Odin during the winter holiday.
Although Christmas started as a religious holiday, it has been altered and it has evolved into a great and fun holiday known and enjoyed by many families and religions. Shaped around many beliefs and traditions, Christmas is the most anticipated holiday.