The name Christmas comes from the Old English Cristes Maesse meaning Mass of Christ.
The feast of Christmas is first mentioned in the Roman Chronograph of 354.
The date of Christ's birth is not known exactly. Modern scholars suggest around 6 B.C.
In the East the Nativity was celebrated originally on January 6.
The Christmas crib was made popular by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223.
The Christmas tree comes from the Paradise tree which was adorned on December 24 in honour of Adam and Eve.
The Christmas tree first appeared in 1605 in Strasbourg.
Christmas hymns date back to the 5th century.
Christmas carols began in Italy and were greatly influenced by St. Francis of Assisi.
Gifts are given by the French on January 1, by the Spaniards and Italians on January 6, not on December 25.
St. Nicholas, the patron of Children, was the original inspiration behind Santa Claus.