when was christmas first celebrated in the united states

The first official Christmas holiday was declared by President George Washington in 1789, but Christmas celebrations in the United States actually began with the Puritans in the 1600s. However, the Puritans frowned upon the celebration of Christmas, considering it a frivolous holiday that took away from the true spirit of religion. It wasn't until 1863 that Christmas was officially recognized as a national holiday in the United States. Since then, Christmas celebrations have become a major part of American culture, with families gathering together for meals, exchanging gifts, and enjoying time together.