The origins of Christmas are shrouded in mystery and debate. Was the holiday always a Christian celebration, or did the church adopt and adapt an existing pagan festival? In this episode, we delve into the history of Christmas, exploring how elements of pagan winter solstice celebrations — like the Roman festival of Saturnalia and the Norse Yule — influenced the traditions we know today. We also look at how the church transformed these older customs into the Christian holiday we now celebrate. Join us as we uncover the fascinating story behind the holiday and its complex cultural evolution.