History of Christmas in the Yahoo! Directory

Catholic Encyclopedia: Christmas
From the origin of the word Christmas through how the holiday was celebrated in the early first millenium, the origin of the date, and liturgy and custom.
www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm
Christmas: A Brief History of the Holiday
Derived from Roman and other European festivals that marked the end of the harvest, and the winter solstice.
www.cnn.com/EVENTS/1996/christmas/history.html
History of Christmas, The
Covers holidays and sun-worship, divinity and virgin birth, and the star of Bethlehem and the wise men and moves on to Christmas in ancient Rome, Santa Claus, and more.
www.benbest.com/history/xmas.html
Christian Legends & Symbols: Christmas
Discusses the origins of such Christmas symbols as myrrh, holly, the colors red and green, wisemen, and others.
ww2.netnitco.net/users/legend01/xmas97.htm
Star of Bethlehem
Considers both prophecies and astronomical facts in an investigation into the appearance and meaning of the Star of Bethlehem.
www.bethlehemstar.net
Christmas Eve Pre-Christian Traditions
Outlines the history of Christmas Eve.
www.abcog.org/xmas2.htm
Christmas-time.com: The History of Christmas
Describes in brief the pagan festivals and traditions that were practiced in many parts of the Middle East and Europe that were in turn appropriated by the Christians.
www.christmas-time.com/ct-history.htm
History of Christmas: Christ, Claus, and the Evolution of Our Most Popular Holiday
Explore the history of Christmas country by country, century by century. Find links to traditions, Santa Claus history, and trivia.
www.thehistoryofchristmas.com
When Christmas Was Banned in Boston
Why the celebration of Christmas was outlawed for 22 years in 17th century Boston.
masstraveljournal.com/features/1101chrisban.html
Santa's Net: Christmas Traditions
Various historical facts about the holiday from around the world.
www.santas.net/generalchristmasfacts.htm
Holiday Spot: Christmas Symbols and History
Who is this Santa? Why the mistletoe, and the holly? Or a prickly Glastonbury thorn? Why is poinsettia a Christmas flower? What is so special about reindeer?
www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/history
ChristmasPast.com
Origins of the holiday traditions, history clippings, nostalgic art and image gallery, and public forum.
www.christmaspast.info
Did You Know?: All About Christmas
Read about the history of Christmas from its early roots in ancient pagan festivals to modern traditions.
www.didyouknow.cd/xmas/xmashistory.htm
ChristianityToday: The History of Christmas
Stories and history behind Christmas dates, celebrations, rituals, decorations, and characters.
www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/christmas/features/charticles.html
Canadian Holidays: Christmas History
Ancient and modern Christmas holiday celebrations worldwide. Includes sections on Christmas legends, Santa Claus, silent night, and Christmas trees.
www.inglewoodcarecentre.com/history/christmas_history.htm
Christmas: A Multicultural Festival
Looks at the holiday's origins, traditions, and future, as well as how Australians celebrate it. From the Australian Culture and Recreation Portal.
www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/christmas
Wikipedia: Christmas
Detailed history of the Christmas holiday including religion, international traditions and customs, the origin of Christmas, and its social impact.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas
Christmas on the Net: The History of Christmas
Brief description of rituals and celebrations from Mespotamian, Babylonian, and early European cultures that have similarities to the modern Christmas celebration.
www.holidays.net/christmas/story.htm
Symbols, Customs, and Traditions of Christmas
Details the origins of the Christmas tree, candy canes, Santa Claus, and other traditional symbols.
www.wilstar.net/xmas/xmassymb.htm
Domestic-Church.Com: Christmas Traditions
Origins of Christmas trees, cards, advent wreaths, and other Christmas traditions.
www.domestic-church.com/CONTENT.DCC/19971201/ARTICLES/ADVTRAD1.HTM