I need to do a research paper. The assisgnment is research Christmas back to its ancient origins. Can you recommend some sites I can look into?

http://www.history.com/topics/christmas

http://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/Christmas_TheRealStory.htm

http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/

http://www.cnn.com/EVENTS/1996/christmas/history.html

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm

Here's one:

http://www.jstor.org/stable/3152491?seq=1

You should also go to www.google.com or scholar.google.com and use these search terms:

St Nicholas
Jesus Christ birth
Roman Saturnalia

Keep in mind that, in the ancient Roman world, not much importance was attached to birthdays. The early Christians did not celebrate Jesus' birth, but Easter and all its meaning were the center of the early church's celebrations.

Thank you. I always have a hard time starting the introduction. Can you help?

Do not start with the introduction! You can't introduce something you don't know.

Follow these steps:

1. Do your research.
2. Devise a tentative thesis statement.
3. Outline the supports for your thesis.
4. Write the body of your paper.
5. Write the introduction and conclusion.
6. Revise and edit.

Certainly! When researching the ancient origins of Christmas, it's important to rely on reputable sources. Here are some reliable websites that can provide you with information on this topic:

1. Ancient Origins - This website specializes in exploring historical origins of various topics, including Christmas. Visit their website (https://www.ancient-origins.net) and use their search bar to find articles related to the history of Christmas.

2. History - The History website (https://www.history.com) is a trusted resource for historical information. Use their search feature to find articles specifically about the ancient origins of Christmas.

3. Smithsonian Magazine - The Smithsonian Magazine's website (https://www.smithsonianmag.com) offers a wealth of well-researched articles on various subjects, including Christmas. You can explore their archives or use the search bar to find articles related to the ancient origins of Christmas.

4. Ancient History Encyclopedia - This online resource (https://www.ancient.eu) is dedicated to providing accurate and peer-reviewed information about ancient civilizations and their traditions. Check their website for articles or entries related to the origins of Christmas.

5. National Geographic - The National Geographic website (https://www.nationalgeographic.com) covers a wide range of topics, including culture and history. Searching their archives or browsing their history section might yield articles or features related to the ancient origins of Christmas.

Remember to critically analyze the information you find and cross-reference multiple sources to ensure accuracy. Additionally, consult academic databases, books, and scholarly articles for more in-depth research.