when did the christmas holiday start

The Christmas holiday season has been celebrated for centuries, with its origins dating back to the ancient pagan winter festivals. However, the modern celebration of Christmas, as we know it today, began in the 19th century in America and Europe. In 1843, Charles Dickens published "A Christmas Carol," which popularized the idea of a family-centric holiday centered around gift-giving and feasting. Since then, the holiday has evolved and grown to include a wide range of traditions and customs that vary across cultures and countries.