Prior to and through the early Christian centuries, winter festivals—especially those centered on the winter solstice—were the most popular of the year in many European pagan cultures. Reasons included the fact that less agricultural work needed to be done during the winter, as well as an expectation of better weather as spring approached.[67] Many modern Christmas customs have been directly influenced by such festivals, including gift-giving and merrymaking from the Roman Saturnalia, greenery, lights, and charity from the Roman New Year, and Yule logs and various foods from Germanic feasts.[68] The Egyptian deity Horus, son to goddess Isis, was celebrated at the winter solstice. Horus was often depicted being fed by his mother, which also influenced the symbolism of the Virgin Mary with baby Christ.
Pagan Scandinavia celebrated a winter festival called Yule, held in the late December to early January period.[69] The word was in use in Old English (as geōl(a)) by 900, to indicate Christmastide.[70] The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word as "Christmas or the Christmas season, especially as traditionally celebrated in Northern Europe and North America with customs stemming in part from pagan celebrations of the winter solstice".[71] The vikings celebrated to the honour of their gods during three days, with much eating and drinking with friends and by-passers, called to drink Yule. After the Christianisation of Scandinavia the celebration was allowed as long as it was in the name of Christ instead.
In eastern Europe also, old pagan traditions were incorporated into Christmas celebrations, an example being the Koleda,[72] which was incorporated into the Christmas carol.