3 Christmas Traditions That May Have Pagan Roots (and 4 That Likely Don’t)

 Summary
While some Christmas traditions like the **Twelve Days of Christmas**, **Yule**, and **mistletoe** may have pagan origins, others, such as **Christmas trees**, **Santa Claus**, and **December 25th**, likely evolved from Christian practices. Claims of widespread pagan influence are often overstated, and many customs reflect a blend of ancient and modern influences.

While some Christmas customs echo pre-Christian rituals, the extent of pagan influence is often exaggerated. It’s commonly believed that many modern Christmas traditions stem from ancient pagan festivals that were adapted by early Christians when Christianity became the Roman Empire’s official religion in the fourth century. However, historians argue that some claims of pagan influence are overstated. Here’s a look at the origins of seven Christmas traditions.

1. Twelve Days of Christmas

The “Twelve Days of Christmas,” famously known through the carol, mark the time it took the magi (wise men) to reach Jesus after his birth. Historically, the magi’s arrival symbolized Christ’s manifestation to non-Jewish people, making “Epiphany” (or “Three Kings Day”) a major Christian celebration, especially in Spain.
Historian Ronald Hutton, in *The Stations of the Sun*, notes that the concept of the “Twelve Days” likely predates Christianity, originating in Celtic and Germanic midwinter customs. Practices like “wassailing,” where people blessed crops and drank in goodwill, may trace back to these earlier traditions.

2. Christmas Trees

The evergreen Christmas tree, now central to holiday décor, is often linked to pagan traditions where such trees symbolized eternal life. However, many scholars believe the custom has Christian roots in Germany. During medieval times, “Paradise trees,” representing the biblical Tree of Life, were used in Christmas Eve plays about Adam and Eve. This tradition gained popularity after an 1848 engraving depicted Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, of German descent, with a decorated Christmas tree.

3. Yule

The terms “Yule” and “Yuletide” once referred to a Germanic and Norse midwinter solstice festival. The Yule season, lasting about 24 days, included gift-giving, feasting, and bonfires — customs that resonate with modern Christmas traditions. Over time, the Yule log evolved into the practice of lighting a festive fire, now even represented by televised or virtual versions.

4. Mistletoe

Kissing under mistletoe originated in 18th-century England, though the plant was revered in earlier pagan cultures. Celtic druids considered mistletoe sacred, and Norse mythology links it to fertility. The association with love and marriage may have influenced its use as a Christmas decoration.

5. Santa Claus and Odin**

Some claim Santa Claus was inspired by Odin, the Norse god of magic and death. Both figures are depicted as bearded old men and associated with gift-giving — Odin during Yuletide and Saint Nicholas in Christian tradition. However, most historians dismiss strong links between Santa and Odin, noting that Santa’s origins are firmly rooted in Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Anatolian bishop.

6. December 25th

Christmas on December 25th aligns closely with the winter solstice, which many pre-Christian traditions celebrated. Some argue the date was chosen to replace pagan festivals like the Roman Saturnalia or Sol Invictus. However, historian Ken Dark suggests the date may have been selected to fill gaps in the Christian calendar, rather than explicitly supplant pagan festivities.

7. Christmas Dinner (Turkey)

Roast turkey, a staple of Christmas feasts in the U.S., is sometimes seen as an echo of ancient seasonal feasting traditions. However, there’s no evidence linking turkey to pagan rituals. Turkeys became popular after the discovery of the New World, replacing the harder-to-obtain guinea fowl. Earlier English Christmas dinners often featured roast beef, goose, or ham.

While some Christmas customs may have pagan roots, others seem to have developed independently within Christian traditions. The interplay between ancient and modern celebrations makes the holiday season uniquely rich in history.