David Frum : Lincoln , like many in 1834 , did n't observe Christmas as an official holiday . Devout Christian believers can still be counted in the millions of course . He was a Christian and wanted to celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25 ( which is why he called it " Christmas's birthday " ) Early Americans kept a sharp separation of church and state , Frum says . Frum : `` War on Christmas '' flap a reaction to a perceived threat to folkway , not religion .
David Frum : Lincoln , like many in 1834 , did n't observe Christmas as an official holiday . He was a Christian and wanted to celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25 ( which is why he called it " Christmas's birthday " ) Early Americans kept a sharp separation of church and state , Frum says . Frum : `` War on Christmas '' flap a reaction to a perceived threat to folkway , not religion .