'Tis the Season!

December is here—a time when children eagerly anticipate the celebration of Christmas. For many, it is also a season to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ. However, December 25 is not historically the actual day of Jesus’s birth.

The date has roots in ancient pagan winter festivals, such as the pre-Christian Roman festival of Saturnalia. Saturnalia, held in mid-December, honored Saturn, the god of agriculture and time. According to History.com, it involved feasting, gambling, gift-giving, and role reversals between masters and slaves. Traditions like gift-giving and merry-making are still re...