how did xmas begin

The Christmas holiday as we know it today has its roots in the ancient festival of Saturnalia, which was celebrated by the ancient Romans in December. The celebration was dedicated to the god of agriculture, Saturn, and involved a week of feasting, gift-giving, and merry-making. Over time, the celebration evolved and eventually became associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. In the 4th century, the church declared December 25th as the day to celebrate Jesus' birth, and the holiday we know today as Christmas was born.