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The first recorded Christmas celebration was in 336 in Rome. This celebration is mentioned in a document called the Chronography of 354. Christmas played a prominent role in the Trinitarian controversy of the fourth century. Once that controversy died out, the status of Christmas declined. In the Early Middle Ages, Christmas was overshadowed by Epiphany (January 6). The holiday regained prominence in the time of Charlemagne, who was crowned as Frankish emperor on December 25, 800.  

The first recorded Christmas celebration was in 336 in Rome. This celebration is mentioned in a document called the Chronography of 354. Christmas played a prominent role in the Trinitarian controversy of the fourth century. Once that controversy died out, the status of Christmas declined. In the Early Middle Ages, Christmas was overshadowed by Epiphany (January 6). The holiday regained prominence in the time of Charlemagne, who was crowned as Frankish emperor on December 25, 800.  

With the Reformation, Christmas fell into disrepute. It was banned under Cromwell. In the 19th century, Charles Dickens ''A Christmas Carol'' helped reinvent Christmas as a family friendly holiday.

With the Reformation, Christmas fell into disrepute. It was banned under Cromwell. In the early 19th century, the Oxford Movement led a revival of the holiday. Many of the customs we have come to associate with Christmas developed in Victorian England, notably the Christmas Tree, which originated in Germany and was introduced in England by Prince Albert. The concept of Christmas as a family-centered celebration and a time of generosity, good will, and friendliness to neighbors, was promoted and codified by Charles Dickens in ''A Christmas Carol.''  

 

Many of the customs we have come to associate with Christmas developed in Victorian England, notably the Christmas Tree (which originated in Germany and was introduced in England by Prince Albert). The concept of Christmas as a family-centered celebration and a time of generosity, good will, and friendliness to neighbors, was promoted and codified by Charles Dickens in ''A Christmas Carol.''  

In the United States, the image of [[Santa Claus]] (i.e. Saint Nicholas) and his reindeer has been shaped by Clement Moore's poem, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" (with the famous opening line "'Twas the night before Christmas.") In other countries, the depiction of Santa vary widely. For instance, in [[The Netherlands]], Santa Claus is shown in a Catholic [[bishop]]'s miter. In some countries, Saint Nicholas is not associated with the holiday at all; for example, in [[Spain]] it is the Three Wise Men who bring gifts to children, and in [[Hawaii]] it is the jolly native Kamaunamauna. However, the tradition of Christmas gift-giving is prevalent in all cultures.

In the United States, the image of [[Santa Claus]] (i.e. Saint Nicholas) and his reindeer has been shaped by Clement Moore's poem, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" (with the famous opening line "'Twas the night before Christmas.") In other countries, the depiction of Santa vary widely. For instance, in [[The Netherlands]], Santa Claus is shown in a Catholic [[bishop]]'s miter. In some countries, Saint Nicholas is not associated with the holiday at all; for example, in [[Spain]] it is the Three Wise Men who bring gifts to children, and in [[Hawaii]] it is the jolly native Kamaunamauna. However, the tradition of Christmas gift-giving is prevalent in all cultures.

In the [[United States]], during the twentieth century, gift-giving assumed a greater and greater role, and by mid-century had become of great commercial importance, to the point where some felt the religious aspects were becoming forgotten. As [[Stan Freberg]] put it<ref>in a recording, "Green Christmas"</ref> in 1958, "There are two S's in Christmas and they're ''both'' dollar signs." The single week before Christmas currently accounts for 25% to 30% of all retail sales.

In the [[United States]], during the twentieth century, gift-giving assumed a greater and greater role, and by mid-century had become of great commercial importance, to the point where some felt the religious aspects were becoming forgotten. As [[Stan Freberg]] put it<ref>in a recording, "Green Christmas"</ref> in 1958, "There are two S's in Christmas and they're ''both'' dollar signs." The single week before Christmas currently accounts for 25 percent to 30 percent of all retail sales.

==Relationship to pagan festivals==

==Relationship to pagan festivals==