Sources: care2.com, holidappy.com

Out of all the holiday traditions with pagan roots represented on this list, this is probably the most well-known. In an attempt to keep followers from celebrating pagan traditions, Christians “re-purposed” many of the traditions surrounding this time of year.

While there is some debate, many historians tell that pagans celebrating the winter solstice would decorate their houses with evergreen trees and mistletoe.

Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ, even though scholars will tell you he probably wasn’t born around this time. However, pagans celebrated the sun god, Odin, during this time. The celebrations in honor of Odin were easy to transfer and refocus on the birth of Jesus.

Also, while Santa Claus isn’t focused on in many Christian circles, it’s interesting to note that Odin is often shown as a big chubby dude with a white beard and flowing coat. Sound familiar?

The colors green and red along with the singing were also part of pagan traditions.