The actual date of Jesus’s birth is unknown, but, in the fourth century AD, Pope Julius I (337–352) formalized that it should be celebrated on 25 December, around the same time as the pagan Saturnalia celebrations. It is highly probable that part of the reason why he chose this date may have been because he was trying to create a Christian alternative to Saturnalia. Another reason for the decision may have been because, Roman emperor Aurelian had declared 25 December the birthdate of Sol Invictus and Julius I may have thought that he could attract more converts to Christianity by allowing them to continue to celebrate on the same day. Saturnalia was celebrated with boozing and other debauchery while Christmas was a pius event. Combining the two brought about the merriment, eating and drinking part of celebrating we still do today (and lessened, or eliminated the real debauchery! )
The actual date of Jesus’s birth is unknown, but, in the fourth century AD, Pope Julius I (337–352) formalized that it should be celebrated on 25 December, around the same time as the pagan Saturnalia celebrations. It is highly probable that part of the reason why he chose this date may have been because he was trying to create a Christian alternative to Saturnalia. Another reason for the decision may have been because, Roman emperor Aurelian had declared 25 December the birthdate of Sol Invictus and Julius I may have thought that he could attract more converts to Christianity by allowing them to continue to celebrate on the same day. Saturnalia was celebrated with boozing and other debauchery while Christmas was a pius event. Combining the two brought about the merriment, eating and drinking part of celebrating we still do today (and lessened, or eliminated the real debauchery! )