Origins of December 25th

The choice of December 25th as the date for Christmas is not because it coincides with pagan festivals, as commonly suggested. Historical evidence points to St. Hippolytus of Rome, who in the early third century calculated this date based on a belief that Jesus was born 5,502 years after the world's creation began in spring. His claims predate the legalization of Christianity and imply that the date has Christian origins rather than being a response to pagan celebrations. Thus, the assertion that December 25th was established after the year 380 CE to rival pagan traditions is unfounded.