Christmas in the United States has a long and complex history that dates back to the colonial era. The holiday was first celebrated in the early 1600s by English settlers who brought their Christmas traditions with them to the New World. However, the celebration of Christmas was not officially recognized in the U.S. until much later, in the 1800s. By that time, the holiday had evolved and taken on its own distinct character, influenced by the diverse population of the country. Today, Christmas is one of the most popular holidays in the U.S., celebrated by millions of people across the country.