The origin of Christmas stemmed from pagan festivals like the popular Roman Saturnalia, which celebrated Winter Solstice.
In the early pre-Christian era, winter celebrations were very popular and followed pagan rituals. Paganism in Europe celebrated light and the darkest days of winter, the Winter Solstice.
What is Paganism?
Paganism describes the ancient and modern religions which identify Nature as the body of the Divine. Pagans often speak of many Gods and Goddesses. Paganism refers to the religions of ancient Greece and Rome and the surrounding areas.
Early Europeans marked the year's longest night Winter solstice