Christmas as we know it today was officially established in the early fourth century by the Roman Emperor Constantine. However, the holiday's origins can be traced back much further to ancient winter solstice celebrations in various cultures around the world. In the 16th century, the Church of England standardized the date of December 25th as the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, making it a Christian holiday. Over time, the traditions and customs of Christmas have evolved and changed, but the spirit of giving and joy remains a central part of the holiday.