Nat Parry: author of How Christmas Became Christmas: The Pagan and Christian Origins of the Beloved Holiday … Ever since the adoption of Christianity as Rome’s official religion in 322 CE, the Church systematically attempted to suppress heathen gods, beliefs and customs, or to incorporate and adapt them into its catechism, all while attempting to whitewash their pagan origins. … Dec. 25 happened to coincide with popular Roman holidays Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, Saturnalia and Kalends, from which many of our Christmas traditions are derived. … Although the conflict over the meaning of Christmas appears to be focused more today on a struggle between Christian and secular forces … really are is a continuation of an ancient struggle to suppress heathen gods, beliefs and customs… [ Visit Website ]