* Why do people put up Christmas trees?
The tradition of the Christmas tree is a remnant of the old pagan tradition of worshipping trees. This paved the way for the popularity of Christmas tree decorations in people’s homes during Christmas season.
* Why is Christmas on December 25th?
Many people believe Jesus was born on December 25, but there is no historical evidence for this. In fact, historical evidence points to spring as the time when Jesus was born.
It’s most likely that December 25 became Christmas Day by a slick political move. By three or four centuries after Christ, Christians were numerous, and perhaps in an effort to stop religious bickering and unite the Christians with the pagans, the pagan holiday of Saturnalia (approximately December 25) was combined with the biggest Christian celebration of the year: the birthday of Jesus. Presto, a universal holiday!
* When and how did Christmas become an official government holiday?
There are several arguments regarding the declaration of Christmas as an official holiday. But according to many researchers, it was in the year 1870 that U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant...