Question: Which state is thought to be the first to declare Christmas as a holiday?
Answer: In 1836, Alabama was reportedly the first state to declare Christmas a state holiday, according to the History Channel. This was followed by Louisiana and Arkansas in 1838. While no official records have been found to verify these dates, they are frequently cited in various online sources and are generally accepted by historians. The legislation allowed residents to take the day off work without any repercussions, enabling them to spend time with family and friends.