Christmas Was Illegal in 1647!

In England, that is.

In 1647, The English Parliament passed a law that made Christmas illegal. Oliver Cromwell, Puritan leader, believed feasting and revelry on what was suppose to be a holy day was considered immoral. Thus, he banned all Christmas activities. Anyone caught celebrating would be immediately arrested. The ban was only lifted when the Puritans lost power in 1660. However, the Puritans in America banned Christmas as well between 1659 and 1681.