Christmas originated from ancient pagan winter solstice festivals celebrating the return of longer days, which the early Christian Church adopted and reinterpreted to commemorate the birth of Jesus, officially setting the date as December 25th in the 4th century to coincide with Roman festivals like Sol Invictus and Saturnalia to encourage conversion. Many modern traditions, like feasting, trees, and gift-giving, stem from these older European customs. 

"Merry Christmas" is a traditional holiday greeting celebrating Jesus's birth, wishing joy and cheer, with "merry" meaning joyful and festive, and the phrase popularized by Dickens, though "Happy Christmas" is also common, with both conveying similar festive wishes for the season of giving, family, and celebration. 

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