Christmas started being celebrated as a holiday near and around the same time as many other winter solstice festivals because of the decision made by the leaders of the church. This was due to the fact that they thought it would make more people participate in the new holiday. That motive was achieved, at the same time many pagan celebrations also transcended into the religious celebration of Christmas.

For example, sometimes, after attending church people take part in a sort of drunken, raucous celebration that almost resembles a carnival. This has similarities with Mardi Gras. During this celebration a beggar or a student is made the ?lord of misrule?. The other people who take part in the activity pretend to be subjects of the ?lord of misrule,? sometimes the poor would visit the houses of the rich ask sometimes ask for the best drink and food they can provide. The rich people who do not cooperate are subject to disorderly behavior and trouble from the poor people. The rich, for their part, used this time of the year to visit the poor and give away clothes food and drink.

Before Jesus Christ was born and before Christmas began there were festivities like this in many countries of the world during the winter season. The Early Europeans used to celebrate birth and light during some of the darkest and harshest days of winter. Winter solstice was celebrated in many places as it meant that the darkest days of winter had gone and the people could look forward to longer days and shorter nights.

In many parts of Europe people considered the end of December as a perfect time for celebration because at this time of year many cattle could be killed in order to avoid feeding them during winter. Another custom existed, the basis of which was that wine and beer that was made earlier would ferment by winter and thus be ready to drink.

The stories and traditions related to Santa Clause are also varied. The variations mainly occurred in some countries during the 1700s. In Germany and Switzerland, children were told that they would receive a present on Christmas from Christkind or Kris Kringle. Christkind means Christ child and it was believed that the angel like figure travelled with St. Nicholas on his journey to deliver presents.

In France, people believed that Pere Noel is the one who fills the shoes of French children with gifts, treats and sweets during Christmas.

A Russian legend speaks of an old lady names Babouschka who mislead the three wise men so that they could not find Jesus. Later she felt sorry but couldn?t find the three wise men so that she could tell them about the error. Thus in Russia it is believed that on Jan 5, which the day before the epiphany of the Three Kings day, Babouschka goes around giving children presents so that one of them might turn out to be baby Jesus and forgive her.