The 16th-century Christmas carol “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” says, “God rest ye merry, gentlemen / Let nothing you dismay / Remember, Christ, our Saviour / Was born on Christmas Day.” It’s a beautiful carol, recognizable in most households today. Except the holiday season does not always feel restful, Christ was likely not born on December 25, and not all Christians around the world celebrate his birth on that particular day. Christmas was even banned in Boston for a time! There’s some explaining to do.
So, while many people may think there’s a simple and quick explanation for the history of Christmas, the real story is much more complex. Fortunately, we’re here to unpack (or, unwrap, we should say!) how this popular celebration originated… read more >
