Over thousands of years, winter solstice celebrations evolved from pagan Roman Saturnalia festivals into Christmas. In the 4th century AD, the Roman Catholic Church designated December 25th as Jesus's birthday, transforming Saturnalia into a Christian holiday. In the Middle Ages, Christmas traditions spread across Europe. In the 1800s, American writers and illustrators popularized the character of Santa Claus, and during the 1920s, advertisers standardized the modern image of Santa. By the 1950s, Christmas had become a major commercial holiday focused on family, gift-giving, decorating, and feasting.

1. For 1000’s of years most European cultures celebrate
the winter solstice the longest night of the year.
They would feast for a day or weeks.

4. In classical Rome, they celebrated the festival of
Saturn (Zeus) called the Saturnalia.

5. For two weeks in December
Rich and Poor changed places

6. The Poorest person in Rome became the riches, and
lived in the emperor’s palace!

7. In July of the year 3-8,
Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem.
He started the outlawed Christian Religion, and was
crucified by the Romans and Jews

8. However, Christianity spread.

9. However, Christianity spread.
In the Year 339 the Emperor Constantine made it the
official religion of the Empire
The new Roman Catholic Church changed the Saturnalia
into a celebration of Christ's birth

10. Emperor Constantine made Christianity the official
religion of the Roman Empire in 339.

11. He had asked the Christian god to help him at the
battle of Melian Bridge, which he won.

12. The new official Church was named the Roman
Catholic Church. It changed the Saturnalia into a
celebration of JC birth.

13. When the Roman Empire fell, the Roman Catholic
Church survived
With no powerful governments the Catholic Church ruled
Europe for much of the Middle Ages

14. With no powerful governments the Catholic
Church ruled Europe for much of the Middle
Ages

16. Christmas continued as a rowdy time of year
Rich people held parties for weeks open to all
Poorest people were King for 12 days.

17. During the reformation (1500-1600),
Most Protestants did not celebrate Christmas day,
which was hated as a wicked time of year
Riots and rowdy Christmas celebrations typified
Europe and America

18. Riots at Christmas
 People expected rich people to give them money and
drink at Christmas
 They often became very drunk and started Riots
Christmas was outlawed in many parts of America and

19. In America, idealists and New
York business men teamed up
creating a new Christmas
Washington Irving and Thomas
Nast(1840–1902).
They took traditions from many
countries and turned it into a
family holiday

20. They took Christmas trees from a
German tradition “Yule tree”.

21. They used the Catholic Saint
Nicolas tradition from Greece
 270-343

22. And Saint Nicholas from the
Netherlands

23.  The British transformed him into
Father Christmas, ridding a goat

24. In the USA, Clemet Moore of
New York, found the Dutch
tradition of Saint Nicolas, and
wrote a poem about it.
1912 NIght before Christmas.docx

25. During the 1860’s, a popular artist Nast made him into Santa
Claus. Who brought presents .

26. By the 1880s, the Dutch tradition merged
with the English tradition of Father
Christmas.
The US called him Santa Claus.
The image was standardized by
advertisers in the 1920s.

27. Business people liked the new image, because people
shopped a lot for presents.
The US government liked the new image because people
stayed at home instead of drinking and fighting.
The Church people liked it as well.

28. By the 1920’s, the Santa image had been used in
advertising, and many stories were written about him.

29. Christmas stories grow every year, its the most commercial
and biggest holiday in the USA.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!.avi
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!.avi

31. By the 1950’s, the commercial celebration became the
biggest holiday in the USA. And, is now spreading
around the world.

32. After Thanksgiving day, (3rd Thursday in November)
Americans put up Christmas trees and start shopping
for presents

33. We decorate trees, our houses with lights
..Caswell County Christmas Lights.flv

40. November put up Christmas tree and decorate
Americans have open house parties, visit friends,
and sing songs
Christmas eve December 24th

41. put up Christmas tree and decorate
Some Americans go to Church at Midnight
Santa comes late and leaves presents under the tree

42. Wake up open presents, go to church

43. Big family feast in afternoon, singing and sports games