when did people start celebrating christmas

Christmas has been celebrated for many centuries, and its origins can be traced back to the ancient cultures of the Middle East and Europe. The first recorded Christmas celebrations were held in ancient Rome, where people would gather to exchange gifts and celebrate the winter solstice. The early Christian Church also adopted the tradition of celebrating Christmas, marking the birth of Jesus Christ as a time of joy and peace. Over time, the holiday evolved and spread around the world, becoming a global celebration of the festive season.