when was christmas started

Christmas has a long and rich history, with its origins dating back to ancient civilizations. While the exact origins of Christmas are debated, it is widely accepted that it began as a pagan holiday celebrating the winter solstice. Over time, the holiday evolved into a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Today, Christmas is celebrated by people of many different religions and cultures around the world, and has become a time of joy, generosity, and goodwill towards all.