Christmas has been celebrated in Britain since the Middle Ages, however, during the 17-century, the Lord Protector of England, Oliver Cromwell, tried to put an end to the country's rich luxuries, including Christmas celebrations. Cromwell sought to purify the Church of England and believed carols and other Christmas festivities were abhorrent and sinful.

Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) is best known for making England a republic following the execution of King Charles I. He became the leader of the Commonwealth of England and set about ethnic cleansing the country. Under his rule, he claimed that religious beliefs should be respected, but those who went against what most people believed were often tortured and imprisoned. As a Puritan, Cromwell tried to become purer through worship and doctrine. He insisted on obeying strict religious rules, dressing simply, and living a modest life. Christmas festivities went against this lifestyle.

Cromwell viewed the celebration of Christ’s birth as a wasteful tradition of the Roman Catholic Church. He argued that God had not instructed people to celebrate in such a fashion. So, in 1644 Cromwell passed an Act of Parliament to prohibit the festival. Everything from singing Christmas carols to eating luxurious feasts was forbidden.

The British refused to be silenced and many held clandestine religious services on 25th December. The Restoration of the English monarchy in 1660 declared Cromwell's laws null and void.

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