<P> Many popular customs associated with Christmas developed independently of the commemoration of Jesus ' birth , with certain elements having origins in pre-Christian festivals that were celebrated around the winter solstice by pagan populations who were later converted to Christianity . These elements , including the Yule log from Yule and gift giving from Saturnalia , became syncretized into Christmas over the centuries . The prevailing atmosphere of Christmas has also continually evolved since the holiday 's inception , ranging from a sometimes raucous , drunken , carnival - like state in the Middle Ages , to a tamer family - oriented and children - centered theme introduced in a 19th - century transformation . In fact , the celebration of Christmas was banned on more than one occasion within certain Protestant groups , such as the Puritans , due to concerns that it was too pagan or unbiblical . Jehovah 's Witnesses also reject the celebration of Christmas . </P>
christmas though a christian holiday began as a celebration of
pre-Christian festivals that were celebrated around the winter solstice