when was christmas started in america

Christmas is believed to have originated in ancient Rome as a pagan holiday celebrating the winter solstice, marking the return of the sun and the beginning of the new year. In the 4th century AD, Pope Julius I declared December 25th as the official date for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, making it the primary focus of the holiday. In the United States, Christmas gained significant popularity in the 1800s as a result of the arrival of German and Irish immigrants, who brought with them the customs and traditions of the Christmas tree, caroling, and gift-giving.