when did christmas start being celebrated

Christmas has been celebrated for thousands of years, with the earliest known celebrations dating back to the 4th century AD. The holiday has its roots in the pagan winter solstice celebrations, and the Christian church eventually adopted the tradition of celebrating Jesus' birth on December 25th. Over time, the holiday has evolved into a global event, celebrated by people of all faiths and cultures. Today, Christmas is known for its gift-giving, family gatherings, and festive decorations.