Otherwise known as "Yule", which comes from the Old Norse word, "jól", Christmas was originally celebrated as a midwinter pagan festival. Scottish traditions going back to it's pagan roots still remain, but the Church eventually took over this celebration, which included the burning of the Yule log, kissing under the mistletoe (Did you know this came from a Druidic fertility rite?), and homes were decorated with holly. But after the Church Reformation in the 16th century, the celebration of Christmas was banned in Scotland. Until the 1960s, Christmas Day was a considered a normal working day for most people in this country, and is still a largely non-religious celebration. Gift giving does take place now, but the large feasts and celebrations are reserved for the New Year, when Santa Claus also arrives here.