Trees that remained green all year have had a special meaning to many civilizations over the centuries. In fact it was believed that evergreens would keep away witches, ghosts and illness. Some cutlures thought that the days of winter were so short because the sun god was sick. The winter solstice was celebrated using evergreens acting as a cure. The German Christians are credited with starting the decorated tree tradition in the 16th century.

With the harvest over, and the winter solstice close at hand, Romans began preparing for the most eagerly anticipated festival of the year, Saturnalia. Beginning on December 17, Saturn, the god of agriculture, was honored with a week long hedonistic reverie. After reaping the summer's bounty, food and drink were plentiful. During these days, the entire social order of the Roman Empire was turned upside down. Control of the city was relinquished to the peasants. Masters knelt beside their slaves to do their bidding. Gifts were given, debts were forgiven and money was lavishly spent.

In 168 BCE, Antiochus, the Greek King of Syria, seized the Jews' Holy Temple. Jewish religious practices were outlawed and the Temple was dedicated to the worship of Zeus. Having their Temple and property confiscated angered the Jews enough to fight back against heavily armed Greek soldiers. During the uprising, many Jews were forced into hiding. The High Priest, Mattathias, placed his son, Judah Maccabee in charge of the growing army. Outnumbered and ill equipped, the Jews still succeeded in defeating the Greek Army.