History and Evolution of Christmas

Why did the Roman Catholic Church choose December 25th as the date to celebrate Christmas?

• It coincided with existing Winter Solstice celebrations.

• It was the only available date in the church calendar.

• It was believed to be the actual birth date of Jesus.

• It was the date of the first Christmas Mass.

What was a common practice during Christmas celebrations in the Middle Ages?

• Attending a quiet church service.

• Exchanging gifts with family members.

• Decorating homes with Christmas trees.

• Visiting wealthy homes and demanding food and drink.

Why was Christmas outlawed in England and the New England colonies in 1652?

• It was considered too wild and unruly.

• It was a pagan holiday.

• It conflicted with other religious observances.

• It was too expensive to celebrate.

How was Christmas viewed in America after the Revolutionary War?

• As an English holiday to be avoided.

• As a time for family gatherings.

• As a religious observance.

• As a day for community service.

When did Christmas begin to take on its modern form in America?

• In the early 1600s.

• In the late 1700s.

• Around the 1820s.

• In the mid-1800s.