Many Americans today are uncomfortable with overt religious themes associated with Christmas, often preferring "holiday parties" or rather vacuous greetings like "Have a Happy Holiday." As awkward as Christmas may be today, it was perhaps even more offensive in the 17th and 18th centuries, for reasons explained by early history blogger Rebekah Brooks in an excellent article on the subject...
"When Christmas Was Banned in Boston"
by Rebekah Brooks
When the Puritans came to the New World in 1620, they brought with them their strict ways, their religious views and their distaste for Christmas. Although Christmas was widely celebrated in Europe as a Christian holiday marking the birth of Jesus Christ, Puritans saw it as a false holiday with stronger ties to Paganism than Christianity. Known for being pious and reserved, Puritans also took a dislike to the drinking and dancing associated with the holiday.
To continue reading, click on "When Christmas Was Banned in Boston" to be taken over to Rebekah Brooks' excellent blog on "The History of Massachusetts."
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