The original war on Christmas was waged during the sixteenth and seventeenth century by Protestant Christians who opposed the pagan traditions of the Catholic church. The Pilgrims who came to America in 1620 were strict Puritans, with firm views against holidays such as Christmas and Easter, rejecting them because of their pagan origins. They were particularly contemptuous of Christmas, nicknaming it “Foolstide”.
“Shocking as it sounds, followers of Jesus Christ in both America and England helped pass laws making it illegal to observe Christmas, believing it was an insult to God to honor a day associated with ancient paganism” Shocked by the Bible (Thomas Nelson Inc, 2008)
Christmas decorations were considered to be unholy pagan rituals, traditional foods such as mince pies and pudding were banned, and businesses were required to remain open all day on Christmas. They made it illegal to mention the name of St. Nicolas, exchange gifts, or sing carols, and anyone caught ditching their work duties or feasting was fined five shillings.
“Men dishonor Christ more in the 12 days of Christmas, than in all the 12 months besides.” Hugh Latimer, 16th century clergyman
Around the time of the American Revolution anti-Christmas sentiment flared up again because Christmas had become associated with England for so many years. In fact, after the U.S. Constitution came into effect, the Senate assembled on Christmas Day in 1797, as did the House in 1802.
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