Since the early 20th century, Christmas has evolved from a religious holiday to a hugely popular cultural holiday observed by Christian and secular people across the globe who gather with families, exchange gifts and cards and decorate Christmas trees. Here’s a look at the history, beliefs and the evolution of Christmas:

Here’s the origin of Christmas as we know it, when it’s estimated Jesus might have been born and when Christians started celebrating his birth.

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Millions of families gathered for Christmas Eve services across the nation, including at Topeka Bible Church, which held services throughout the day Dec. 24. Kim Fertig has spent her Christmas Eves at Topeka Bible Church since 1999.

Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church in Washington state says Christmas points us to Jesus — the greatest gift — and the Advent themes of hope, peace, joy and love. As we celebrate, we remember nothing can separate us from God’s love.

“Do you believe in Jesus?” I looked him over. He was a thin, pleasant-looking man in his mid-30s, but his hair was tousled and he needed a shave. He had on a rumpled shirt, worn jeans and loafers with no socks.

Pope Leo XIV Sunday blessed statues of the infant Jesus that will be placed in nativity scenes on Christmas day, pointing to Saint Joseph as an example of charity and mercy for his care of Mary and the child God entrusted to him.

In the run up to Christmas, carols fill the air. Many have an astronomical twist, singing of the “Christmas Star” from the story of the nativity. Described in the Gospel of Matthew, the star guided the three wise men to the cradle of the young baby Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem.

The Appalachian Christmas carol “Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head” was collected from Hardin County in central Kentucky in the early 20th century but, as with so many other folk carols and hymns, the song’s origins predate by many decades its collection ...

Christmas is celebrated on December 25 due to a mix of theology, symbolism, and historical context, not a single pagan festival shift, with no proof Emperor Constantine changed Jesus’s birthdate.