Modern day Christmas likely originated from two pagan holidays: Yule and Saturnalia. Yule is a Scandinavian holiday which was celebrated during the winter solstice with celebrations lasting from December 21st to January 1st. Yule is the holiday of light so people would light candles in their homes and houses were decorated with ivy and mistletoe. Mistletoe held much symbolism as it was thought to ward off evil spirits, symbolized life, and was thought to have healing powers.

 

The Roman holiday Saturnalia was celebrated from December 17th to December 25th and was also centered around light as pagans believed that this was the time the sun was born to fight off darkness. Homes and churches would be decorated with evergreens and the wealthy gave gifts to the poor.