Merry Christmas! The big day is finally upon us, complete with presents, food and drink, and the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special. But while we’re busy unwrapping presents, watching festive films and tucking into turkey, it’s easy to forget why we’re all celebrating in the first place.
![[Children decorating Christmas tree]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-85406624.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=507)
Most of us know that Christmas is actually a religious festival, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. But it’s not always been celebrated in its current form. So, who invented Christmas as we know it? Let’s take a look back through history…. OK, so Christmas as we know it didn’t come into being the second Jesus was born.
![[Cheerful African American mother and daughter having fun on Christmas day at home.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1437377497.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=509)
It’s not actually clear that he was even born on December 25. The first recorded incidence of Christmas being celebrated dates back to the Roman Empire in 336 AD, during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine. Technically, the Romans invented it – although there’s no specific person who is credited with having done so.
There are many theories as to why December 25 would have been chosen, with one suggesting that it’s because it coincided with the winter solstice. Others suggest it’s linked to the ancient Roman pagan midwinter festivals Saturnalia (which honoured the Roman god Saturn) and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (the festival marking the solstice).
It’s also thought it might have been chosen as it’s exactly nine months after March 25 – which was originally selected as the date of the spring equinox. This date is also cited as the day of God’s creation of Adam, and therefore would have been a fitting date to choose for celebrating Christ’s conception.
