And here I thought the Christmas tree was a Germanic Pagan symbol!

Linus failed to mention that some Calvinists banned the celebration of Christmas because of all the Pagan ritual it entailed -- gift-giving, drinking, feasting.

None of this is to say that Christians are wrong to believe what they believe and celebrate the way they celebrate. Only that both the celebrations and the beliefs have historical parallels (one might say origins).

Personally, I find all the history and synchronicity fascinating, but I'm an atheist. :)