According to the catholic encyclopedia what is the origin of the christmas holiday?

[Abby1068]

I need proof from the catholic encyclopedia where it says word by word the whole meaning and the purpose of celebrating it and why its so sacred.So please if you can help and send me the website link where i can find this information it would be greatly appreciated =]

[HTacianas3807]

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm

[PrinceofCydonia]

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_ type_id=1252&display_order=1&mini_id=1290

[Jaradal9211]

catholic encyclpopaedia? the what?It is all based on the old pagan holiday of midwinter, or yule. Yule generally falls around the 22nd of December, when the longest night occurs. After this the days get longer, the temperature rises, plants start growing etc, People used to celebrate this, and give each other little trinkets to wish good luck for the coming spring with its associated fresh produce. hence christmas presents.The christmas tree was the yule log, holly and ivy were brought into the house to cleanse and purify it (the spines on the holly trapped bad spirits before they could do damage)It was also a celebration for having survived the winter, it gets easier after yule.It was also traditional to start the new year with new clothing, to ensure you get new good luck, and when the christians changed the calendar so that the new year started in january this custom was brought forward. that is why you get socks ever year lol!