Christmas customs are a mix of pre-Christian, Christian, and secular traditions. While the month and date of Jesus' birth are unknown, by the early 4th century, perhaps as early as 311 AD, the Church had placed Christmas on December 25. Biblical evidence raises doubts, ‘lambs in the field' occur only in spring, and references to the census that brought the family to Bethlem are not supported by the extensive census records kept by the Romans. The precise origin of December 25 is unclear. Various dates were speculated: May 20, April 18 or 19, March 25, January 2, November 17 or 20. Many scholars believe the date was chosen to correspond with popular pagan winter solstice festivals in practice, particularly the Roman festival ‘sun as god’ celebrated throughout the Empire. Christians regularly participated. Some influence came from church leaders’ belief that March 25 was the date of the Annunciation and thus Christ was born 9 months later on Dec. 25. Many present day practices are direct holdover pagan solstice traditions,i.e. kindled lights, ivy, mistletoe, pine boughs, and decorated trees. Nativity scenes were introduced in the 12th century by St Francis. The Romans displayed such figurines of family during important festivals.
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