Every year the Christmas holiday falls on December 25th.

The history of Christmas varies from region to region around the world.

In the Western world, the birthday of Jesus Christ has been celebrated on December 25th since AD 354.

The Romans celebrated Saturnalia, which was a festival dedicated to the god of peace and plenty, Saturn, that ran from the 17th to 24th of December. Public gathering places during the celebration were decorated with flowers. Holiday gifts and candles were exchanged and everyone, no matter slave or master, celebrated the occasion.

In Scandinavia, Yule, which is a period of festivities, was the traditional holiday. As Winter ended the growing season, the opportunity of enjoying the Summer's bounty encouraged much feasting and happiness.

The Celtic culture revered all green plants, but especially mistletoe and holly. These two plants were important symbols of fertility and were used for decorating homes and altars.

New Christmas traditions appeared in the Middle Ages. The most known contribution was the carol, which by the 14th century, had become associated with the religious observance of the birth of Christ.

In Italy, there was a tradition of the reenactment of the birth of Christ and the construction of nativity scenes. It is said that Saint Francis introduced this as part of his efforts to bring spiritual knowledge to the people.

No matter how you decide to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season, we have a great selection of Christmas wine gift baskets for wine lovers. Other holiday wine gift ideas are personalized wine, and a holiday gift membership to our wine of the month club.