Today's Christmas celebrations combine secular and religious traditions.

FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

RELATED CONTENT

The celebration of Christmas as we know it today stems from the traditions of several different cultures.

Lyndon and Ladybird Johnson celebrate Christmas morning at the White House in 1968.

Get the facts on the tradition of Christmas carols, and find out how "Jingle Bells" came about.

Ruled a legal holiday in 1894, Christmas has had its fair share of strange traditions.

During WWI soldiers from opposing sides laid down their guns and celebrated Christmas together.

In some parts of Europe, people still celebrate Christmas customs based on long-standing folk legends.