Christmas is celebrated the world over and although clearly linked to the Christian faith the date and customs are much older. In the early days, the heads of the Catholic church concluded that it would be simpler to redirect the prevailing pagan customs rather than eradicate them. Of the wide range of pagan holidays assumed by the Roman Church, none other than Christmas was so successful, where the pagan renewal celebrations were changed to focus on the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christian Messiah. This day is now celebrated globally, including countries which are not predominantly Christian.

In spite of Christianity coming into existence following the time of Christ, the celebrations of Christmas became common only during the Middle Ages, and at its inception had no direct link to the date of the birth of Christ. Previously Jesus' birthday had been celebrated during the summer. This was then shifted to December considering that many pagan high days and holy days were being celebrated during this month. Compounding this issue were the fertility rituals of Babylon, Egypt and Germany that were traditionally held during the same period. Significantly December 25 remembered the birth of the sun-god Mithras, the largest enemy of Christianity at the time.

The Celts in the British Isles held all green plants to be holy, but especially mistletoe and holly. Eventually, the two became part of Christmas customs. Also added was a large serving of the Scandinavian observance of yule festivities, including decorating a tree and burning the yule log. Christian traditions that had nothing to do with the birth of Christ were also incorporated. For instance, Saint Nicholas's day had been observed on December 6, and was moved to December 25.

Types of Christmas trees used differ from place to place. In Germany it is a traditional practice to visit the woods at Christmas and decorate living trees with candles and ornaments while in the United States living trees are cut and brought indoors. Convenience has ushered in the practice of using artificial trees, which do not dry out like living trees, hence offsetting the associated danger. The use of artificial trees has increased significantly as they are now so natural looking, many coming pre-decorated with colored lights.

What about carol singing? The Middle Ages were when carols began to be sung for the Christmas holiday. Interestingly, giving of gifts and feasting on Christmas was looked down on during this period. The simple peacefulness of the Nativity was a stark contrast to the usually Bacchanalian festivities of the pagan observances, so a party for Christmas was thought to be profane. Even today, some people are worried that Christmas has become more about the presents than the divine event commemorated.

Whatever the origin of Christmas, in the western world it is a universal celebration by many regardless of their religion. A holiday marked by a spirit of generosity and of giving, appeals to mankind's spirit uniting people of different religions for one day every year. Gifts piled under a brightly-lit tree cast a magical spell for young and old alike.