The Origins of Christmas Christmas is a holiday celebrated by billions around the world on December 25. The holiday marks the birth of Jesus Christ, but the history of its celebration stretches back long before the Christian era. The name "Christmas" comes from "Christ's Mass," a religious service that honors the birth of Jesus. The exact date of Jesus' birth is unknown, but December 25 was chosen in the 4th century by the Roman Catholic Church to coincide with the winter solstice and the pagan festival of Saturnalia. Saturnalia was a festival to honor the Roman god of agriculture, Saturn. It was celebrated from December 17 to December 23, during which time the Romans would exchange gifts, decorate their homes with greenery, and feast. The Christmas tree, another popular Christmas tradition, has its roots in Germanic pagan winter festivals. These festivals celebrated the solstice and the return of longer days, and included the custom of bringing evergreen trees into the home and decorating them with candles and ornaments. Over time, Christmas became an important holiday in the Christian church, with traditions and customs evolving along with it. Today, it is celebrated with caroling, gift-giving, and festive meals in many countries around the world. Whether it is a religious celebration or a secular one, Christmas has become an important time of year for many people around the world. Its long history encompasses many different cultures and traditions, making it a truly global holiday.