Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus, but the December 25 date does not come from the Bible; it stems from associations with Roman winter solstice festivals. From the third century, Christians linked this date to Christ's birth, incorporating pagan elements into the celebration. Over time, it evolved into a universal family and commercial holiday.
The Christmas tradition roots in the biblical account of Jesus's birth, though the choice of December 25 arose from links to ancient Roman festivals honoring the winter solstice and the sun's symbolic rebirth. According to National Geographic, from the third century, Christian scholars began associating this date with Christ's birth, aiding its popularization. The Church connected the Roman 'unconquered sun' with the 'son of God,' blending pagan practices into Christian liturgy to differentiate from them.
Another theological explanation places Jesus's conception on March 25, positioning his birth nine months later in December. The Christian historian Sextus Julius Africanus promoted this date in 221 AD. By the ninth century, Christmas was part of religious calendars as a sacred commemoration in Christian tradition.
Today, the celebration extends beyond religion. While December 25 is the official date and a mandatory rest day in Mexico under the Federal Labor Law, many Mexican families emphasize the eve of the 24th with dinners and gifts. In the early twentieth century, according to the Encyclopædia Britannica, it gained a more secular tone, incorporating customs like gift exchanges, home decorations, and the Santa Claus figure, driving significant consumer spending. Now, it symbolizes family unity, generosity, and hope across cultures.
