The origin of Christmas dates back to ancient Rome, where people celebrated Saturnalia, a festival honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture. As Christianity spread, many Saturnalia customs were incorporated into the celebration of Christ's birth, although the actual birth date remains unknown. In the Middle Ages, Christmas became a time for pageants and parties. The holiday was both a holy day and a celebration of winter's end. The poor and the rich would switch places for a day, and the Lord of Misrule, usually a peasant, presided over the festivities. The modern Christmas we know today took shape in the 19th century. The practice of gift-giving, originally a New Year's custom, was moved to Christmas. The image of Santa Claus, the jolly old man who delivers gifts to children, comes from the Dutch legend of Sinterklaas and was popularized by American writer Clement Clarke Moore's poem, 'A Visit from St. Nicholas'. Many Christmas symbols have interesting origins too. The Christmas tree originated in Germany and represents everlasting life. Mistletoe, a plant that the Druids considered sacred, became a symbol of love and friendship. The yule log, a Nordic tradition, symbolizes the warmth and light of the sun. In essence, while Christmas has transformed over the centuries, its core message remains the same - one of peace, love, and goodwill. Regardless of its commercialization, it continues to unite families and inspire the spirit of giving.