10 Things You Probably Get Wrong About Christmas History

Nov 27

Christmas is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated holidays in the world. It brings to mind cozy fires, festive lights, decorated trees, and the joy of giving and receiving. But how much do we really know about the history of Christmas? Like many cultural phenomena, Christmas is steeped in myths, half-truths, and misunderstandings. Here are 10 things you probably get wrong about Christmas history.

1. Jesus Wasn’t Born on December 25th

Contrary to popular belief, the Bible doesn’t specify the date of Jesus’ birth. The early Christian Church didn’t celebrate Christmas at all for the first few centuries. The choice of December 25th is widely believed to have been influenced by pagan festivals like Saturnalia (a Roman celebration of the winter solstice) and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (the birthday of the unconquered sun). The date was chosen to Christianize these popular pagan traditions.

2. The Modern Santa Claus Wasn’t Invented by Coca-Cola

Santa Claus as we know him today—jolly, red-suited, and bearded—was not created by Coca-Cola. While Coca-Cola’s 1930s advertisements helped popularize this image, the character’s roots go back much further. The Dutch brought the tradition of Sinterklaas to America in the 18th century, and in 1823, Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (better known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas”) solidified many aspects of Santa’s persona. The red suit, in fact, predates Coca-Cola and can be traced to earlier illustrations.

3. Christmas Trees Aren’t Exclusively Christian

Decorating trees during the winter predates Christianity by centuries. Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Druids all used greenery during their winter solstice celebrations to symbolize life and renewal. The Christmas tree tradition, as we know it, originated in 16th-century Germany. Martin Luther is said to have been inspired to light candles on a tree after seeing stars twinkling through evergreen branches.

4. The First Christmas Wasn’t in Bethlehem

While nativity scenes and carols paint a picturesque image of the first Christmas in Bethlehem, historical records suggest that early Christians didn’t prioritize Jesus’ birth as a holiday. The first recorded celebration of Christmas occurred in Rome in 336 AD, not in Bethlehem. It was part of an effort by the Church to create a Christian alternative to pagan solstice festivals.

5. Christmas Was Once Banned

It might surprise you that Christmas hasn’t always been universally celebrated. In fact, it was banned in England and some parts of America in the 17th century by Puritans. They saw it as a frivolous holiday with too many pagan influences. In Massachusetts, celebrating Christmas was even illegal from 1659 to 1681, with offenders fined five shillings!

6. “Xmas” Is Not a Secular Slang

Many people mistakenly believe that writing “Xmas” instead of “Christmas” is an attempt to remove Christ from the holiday. However, “Xmas” has religious roots. The Greek letter Chi (Χ) is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ, Χριστός (Christos). Early Christians used this abbreviation long before text messaging was a thing.

7. Gift-Giving Wasn’t Always a Christmas Tradition

The practice of exchanging gifts on Christmas Day didn’t become widespread until the 19th century. Historically, gifts were exchanged during New Year celebrations or on the feast of St. Nicholas (December 6th). The modern custom of Christmas gift-giving was popularized by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in England and became a hallmark of American Christmas by the late 1800s.

8. Caroling Was Once a Rowdy Affair

Today, we think of Christmas caroling as a wholesome tradition, but its origins were far rowdier. In medieval Europe, “wassailing” involved groups of peasants going door-to-door singing (or shouting) for food, drink, and money. It was more about demanding treats than spreading cheer, and it wasn’t always welcomed by the wealthy homeowners they serenaded.

9. The Three Wise Men Weren’t Kings—and There May Not Have Been Three

The nativity story we know says that three wise men, or kings, visited baby Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. However, the Bible never specifies that there were three visitors; the number three is inferred from the three gifts. Moreover, these visitors were likely astrologers or magi, not kings. The image of three regal men on camels is largely a product of later Christian tradition.

10. Christmas Wasn’t Always a Family-Centric Holiday

For much of its history, Christmas was less about family and more about communal feasting, partying, and even mischief. In the Middle Ages, it resembled a rowdy carnival, with feasts, games, and even a “Lord of Misrule” who presided over the festivities. It wasn’t until the 19th century—thanks to writers like Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria’s family-oriented celebrations—that Christmas took on its modern, family-focused vibe.

Why Does Christmas History Matter?

Understanding the history of Christmas can deepen our appreciation for this beloved holiday. Many of our modern traditions, from gift-giving to decorating trees, are the result of centuries of cultural blending and evolution. The holiday has always been a reflection of the societies that celebrate it, adapting to new contexts while maintaining a timeless spirit of joy and generosity.

This Christmas, as you sip eggnog, hang stockings, or watch Home Alone for the umpteenth time, take a moment to reflect on how these traditions came to be. Who knows—maybe you’ll have some fascinating trivia to share at your next holiday gathering.

Christmas isn’t just a holiday; it’s a rich tapestry of traditions, myths, and histories. By separating fact from fiction, we can better understand and enjoy the season’s true magic. Happy holidays!