A bit of December 25th history…
274 - Roman Emperor Aurelian dedicates a temple to Sol Invictus on the day of the winter solstice and day of rebirth of the Sun
352 - 1st definite date that Christmas was celebrated on December 25th
800 - Charlemagne (Charles the Great) crowned Holy Roman Emperor
1066 - William the Conqueror is crowned King of England, completing the Norman conquest of England
1223 - St Francis of Assisi assembles the 1st Nativity scene
1492 - Columbus’ flag ship, the Santa Maria, runs aground and sinks on the north coast of Hispaniola; crew are left to found colony as Columbus returns to Spain
1651 - Massachusetts General Court ordered a 5 shilling fine for “observing any such day as Christmas”
1741 - Astronomer Anders Celsius introduces Centigrade temperature scale
1914 - Legendary “Christmas Truce” takes place on the battlefields of WWI between British and German troops; instead of fighting, soldiers exchange gifts and play football (pictured)
A bit of December 25th history… 274 - Roman Emperor Aurelian...