Was Christmas originally a pagan holiday?

Asked 4 years ago

I grew up celebrating Christmas as a Christian holiday and the birthday of Christ. Recently, I got to know a Jehovah's Witness, and she explained to me that they don't celebrate Christmas because of its pagan roots. How true is this statement? If s, then where did Christmas come from?

Paganism Pagan holiday Christmas Christianity

Carmen Slabbert

Thursday, September 16, 2021

For over two millennia, Christmas is celebrated as both a religious and secular celebration. Before the birth of Jesus, people celebrate the winter solstice (the worst of winter behind them) over the same time. The Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a holiday honouring Saturn, the god of agriculture.