Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The first recorded celebration of Christmas on December 25th was in Rome in 336 AD, during the reign of the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine. 

In 1836, Alabama made history as the first state in the United States to recognize Christmas as an official holiday. This pioneering move set in motion a series of events that would eventually lead to the nationwide acceptance and celebration of Christmas, culminating in its designation as a federal holiday 34 years later in 1870. 

This article explores the evolution of Christmas from a state-recognized holiday to the most significant national holiday in the United States, and perhaps even the world.

Alabama's recognition of Christmas in 1836 marked a significant departure from the prevailing attitude toward the holiday in the United States, especially in New England where Puritan influences had long frowned upon Christmas celebrations. This southern state's decision reflected the changing social and cultural landscape of America, where diverse traditions and customs were beginning to meld into a unique national identity.

After Alabama's declaration, other states gradually started to recognize Christmas as a holiday. Notably, before it became a federal holiday in 1870, several states had already made Christmas an official state holiday. The years in which these states recognized Christmas are pivotal in understanding the spread and acceptance of the holiday across the nation.

• Louisiana and Arkansas (1838): Just two years after Alabama, Louisiana and Arkansas joined the movement, acknowledging the importance of Christmas in 1838.
• North and South Carolina (1850s): During the 1850s, both North and South Carolina declared Christmas a state holiday, reflecting the growing acceptance in the southern states.
• Mississippi, Georgia, and Virginia (1855-1861): This period saw Mississippi (1855), Georgia (1856), and Virginia (1861) officially recognizing Christmas.

The adoption of Christmas as a state holiday by these southern states was a precursor to its acceptance on a national scale. By the time President Ulysses S. Grant signed the bill making Christmas a federal holiday in 1870, the cultural landscape of America had significantly shifted. The country was recovering from the Civil War, and there was a concerted effort to promote unity and common traditions. Christmas, with its message of peace and goodwill, was ideally suited to play a role in this national reconciliation.

Alabama's role in recognizing Christmas as a holiday was a landmark event in American cultural history. It spearheaded a movement that saw the holiday evolve from a regional celebration to a national symbol of festivity, family, and shared traditions. The journey of Christmas from a state to a federal holiday is a testament to the dynamic nature of American culture, constantly evolving and absorbing diverse influences to create unique traditions that are celebrated by millions across the country today.

Timeline of State Recognitions:

• Alabama: 1836
• Louisiana and Arkansas: 1838
• North and South Carolina: 1850s
• Mississippi: 1855
• Georgia: 1856
• Virginia: 1861

This timeline underlines the gradual acceptance and incorporation of Christmas into the American cultural and legal framework, leading up to its federal recognition in 1870.