We wish a Merry Christmas to all our readers, whether you celebrate the holiday as a Christian or not.
The first recorded celebration of what is now the major holiday in the Christian calendar took place in Rome, Italy, in AD 336, during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine (the first Christian Roman Emperor). The first ‘Christ Mass’ was officiated by Pope Sixtus III in AD 435.
In the United States, the first three states to declare 25 December a public holiday were Louisiana (1831), Arkansas (1831) and Alabama (1836). Christmas was declared a US Federal holiday in 1870.
The giving of gifts and the exchange of Christmas cards at this time of year have had a significant effect on business activity among both Christians and non-Christians, and the holiday has become a key sales period for retailers and businesses all over the world.
We hope you have a happy Christmas from every perspective!
