The phrase (The First Christmas) carries two distinct meanings. It can refer to the biblical and historical origins of the Nativity in Bethlehem, or it can refer to the historical development of the holiday itself—when and why Christians first began celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25th.
Shepherds were the first to be told of the birth by angels, signifying that the message was for common people.
The "first" recorded celebration of Christmas as a specific feast day occurred in , during the reign of Emperor Constantine. A few years later, Pope Julius I officially declared December 25th as the date to celebrate the Nativity. 3. Why December 25th?