In England in 1652 an act of Parliament was passed banning all Christmas celebrations - one pamphlet alone revelled in the title:

"Christmas Day, the old Heathen's Feasting Day in honour to Saturn their Idol-God, the Papists' Massing Day, taking to hearth the Heathenish customs, Popish supersitions, Ranting fashions, fearful provocations, horrible abominations committed against the Lord, and his Christ on that day and dayes following."

The Puritans were shocked at the drunkeness, games and disrespectful traditions such as the Lord of Misrule that had been popular, they disliked the decorations and such because of their pagan roots, and the Midnight Mass and celebrations because they were 'Papist' (remember, the Protestant Church was quite young and the Catholic Church was still a major power in the world). They also used the Biblical evidence that there was no reason to celebrate the birth of Christ in December, so all celebrations were to cease. Anyone attending church on December 25th expecting to hear the usual Christmas message was disappointed and the service was forced behind closed doors and kept secretly.

When the Monarchy was restored in 1660, so was Christmas but it was a more subdued celebration than previously and without the Lord of Misrule.

We could try to overthrow the Monarchy again, but somehow I don't think that's going to work this time round...

LTS