<P> The Nativity stories of Matthew and Luke are prominent in the gospels and early Christian writers suggested various dates for the anniversary . The first recorded Christmas celebration was in Rome in 336 . Christmas played a role in the Arian controversy of the fourth century . In the early Middle Ages , it was overshadowed by Epiphany . The feast regained prominence after 800 , when Charlemagne was crowned emperor on Christmas Day . </P>
when was christmas first celebrated as a holiday
336