Religious meaning 

Christmas was traditionally a Christian festival which was celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, but in the early 20th century it became famous family holiday which was celebrated by Christians and also non-Christians.

Christmas have been celebrated by people long before Jesus Christ was born. For example, people in Scandinavia celebrated Yule from December 21 until January. In recognition of sun, fathers and sons would bring  home large logs, which they would set up on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take more than 12 days.

 The end of December was perfect time for celebrating in most areas of Europe. At that time, most of their animals were killed, so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many people it was the only time of year when they had  supply of fresh meat.