During the fourth century, Christmas gained prominence amid theological debates, particularly those surrounding Arianism, a doctrine that questioned the full divinity of Christ. Celebrating the Nativity became a way to affirm orthodox beliefs about Jesus as both fully human and fully divine. However, in the early Middle Ages, the Crucifixion and Easter overshadowed Christmas in importance. The holiday gradually gained greater status, especially after the coronation of Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor on Christmas Day around the year 800, a symbolic act that linked the birth of Christ with Christian kingship and political authority.
Despite its growing importance, Christmas was not always viewed positively. In some periods, especially in the seventeenth century, it was criticized for excess and immorality. Public celebrations were often associated with heavy drinking, disorder, and behavior deemed un-Christian by religious reformers. In England and parts of colonial America, Puritan authorities even banned Christmas celebrations, arguing that they lacked biblical justification and encouraged sin. Although Christmas was restored as an official holiday in England in 1660, it remained controversial and was sometimes viewed with suspicion or disdain.
A major revival of Christmas occurred in the early nineteenth century, influenced by social, religious, and literary movements. The Oxford Movement within the Church of England sought to revive older Christian traditions, including liturgical celebrations of Christmas.
