It is estimated that Christmas has been celebrated since around 300 AD. However, many of the customs connected to Christmas as we celebrate it today may actually have roots in December celebrations which were held as much as 4000 years ago around the winter solstice - the Romans had Saturnalia and the Germanic peoples honoured the god Odin. As the Bible does not give enough clues as to when Jesus Christ was born, many believe that the date was borrowed from the earlier pagan festivals.

Today, the Christmas tree and presents are probably the two most ... Читать дальше »