During the period between 1647 and 1660, Christmas celebrations were banned in England by the Puritan government led by Oliver Cromwell. This period, known as the English Interregnum, saw a significant shift in religious and cultural practices, with the Puritans seeking to reform the Church of England and remove what they considered to be elements of Catholicism.

The ban on Christmas was part of a broader effort to suppress what the Puritans believed were pagan and excessive traditions associated with the holiday. They viewed Christmas as a time of debauchery, revelry, and idolatrous practices that had no biblical basis. The Puritans considered Christmas celebrations to be a form of "popery" and a distraction from proper religious observance.

Under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell, a series of parliamentary acts were passed to enforce the ban on Christmas. These acts abolished the observance of Christmas, declaring it to be a regular working day. Public festivities, decorations, and even the singing of carols were prohibited. Churches were ordered to remain closed on Christmas Day, and any attempt to celebrate the holiday was met with severe penalties.

The ban on Christmas was met with resistance from some sections of society, particularly in rural areas where traditional customs and practices held strong. Despite the efforts of the government, many people continued to secretly celebrate Christmas in their homes, defying the ban. This led to increased tensions and conflicts between the authorities and those who refused to give up their Christmas traditions.

It was not until the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, with the ascension of King Charles II, that the ban on Christmas was lifted. With the return of the monarchy, the Puritans lost their grip on power, and Christmas celebrations gradually resumed throughout England.

In conclusion, the ban on Christmas in England between 1647 and 1660 was imposed by the Puritan government led by Oliver Cromwell. This period marked a significant suppression of traditional Christmas customs and festivities, with the Puritans considering them to be pagan and excessive. However, the ban was ultimately lifted with the restoration of the monarchy in 1660.

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