Christmas is another one of those all-American holiday creations that knits together a hodge-podge of pagan legends, immigrant traditions, Christian principles and commercial prosperity. Saturnalia was the month-long Roman celebration of the winter solstice on Dec. 21, the longest night of the year. The highest day of revelry was Dec. 25 in honor of Mithra, the unconquerable sun god. 

In the early Catholic Church, Easter  was celebrated, but the birth of Jesus was not celebrated until the 4th century AD when Pope Julius I chose to celebrate on Dec. 25.

The prosperity of 19th century capitalism followed the direction of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” whose Ebeneezer Scrooge learned, “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business.” 

Christmas became an American federal holiday in 1870 to help heal America from the wounds of our Civil War.

In fine, American, melting pot fashion, this country fused the many Christmas traditions of its immigrants. 

German immigrants brought the Christmas tree tradition. The Dutch gave us Sinte Klaas in honor of Saint Nicholas, a 3rd century pious monk who ministered to children. Scandinavians had St. Nick ride a sleigh pulled by goats delivering presents to children. Clement Clarke Moore’s, “Twas the night before Christmas” described the “right jolly old elf” and Coca-Cola advertising did much to popularize his rosy cheek and red suit image of today. Christmas is for all Americans to celebrate life, be thankful, share in their blessings and never forget that tomorrow through divine providence will get better and brighter for us all.

"Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!"

Daniel B. Bruzzini MD MBA

Colonel (USAF retired)