In 1659, Christmas was officially outlawed in Boston, with a 50-shilling fine for anyone caught observing the holiday. This law was revoked in 1681.Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River took place on the night of December 25, and resulted in the Battle of Trenton the following day. In 1822 Clement Clarke Moore published his poem A Visit From St. Nicholas  “‘Twas the night before Christmas”. In 1870 December 25th is declared a national Holiday in the United States.