No single country “invented” Christmas; it developed over time from several cultures and places. As a specifically Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus on 25 December, it first appears as an official feast in 4th‑century Rome, so the earliest recognisable “Christmas” as a church holiday comes from the Roman Empire, centered in what is now Italy.

Origins as a Christian feast

The church in Rome began formally celebrating the Nativity of Jesus on December 25 around the year 336, during the time of Emperor Constantine. This means the organized religious festival of Christmas has its roots in the Roman Empire rather than in a modern nation‑state like Germany or England.

Older midwinter traditions

Long before that Christian feast was set, many pre‑Christian European cultures held midwinter festivals that influenced later Christmas customs, such as Roman Saturnalia and other solstice celebrations focused on light, feasting, and gift‑giving. These older traditions were not “Christmas” in the Christian sense but contributed themes and practices that became part of the holiday.

Role of Germany and other countries

Germany did not invent Christmas itself but contributed major elements of what people think of as the modern holiday, especially the decorated Christmas tree and some domestic traditions. England, the United States, and other countries later shaped today’s Christmas with customs like cards, Santa‑style gift‑giving patterns, and commercial practices.

Summary table

Aspect| Main place/culture involved
---|---
First official Christian feast on Dec 25| Church in 4th‑century Rome (Roman Empire) 14
Major midwinter pagan festivals| Ancient Rome and various European cultures 35
Origin of decorated Christmas tree| German‑speaking Central Europe (early modern period) 23
Development of “modern” Christmas (cards, Santa imagery, etc.)| Mainly 19th‑century Europe and the United States 34

So, historically, Christmas as a Christian holiday began in the Roman Empire, but the version celebrated today is a blend of contributions from several countries over many centuries.