Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25th?

As it turns out, the exact date of Jesus’ birth isn’t definitively known, and several theories exist as to why December 25 was selected as the date of Christmas:

* Relationship to Pagan Festivals: Around the winter solstice, in the Roman Empire, various pagan festivals were observed, including Saturnalia and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (Birthday of the Unconquered Sun) According to some historians, early Christians selected December 25th to align with these festivals, suggesting that this made it easier for pagans to convert to Christianity.

   

* Nine Months After the Annunciation: A nine-month gestation period would place the Annunciation (in which the angel Gabriel informed Mary that she would give birth to Jesus) on March 25th, according to Christian tradition. Nine months from March 25th brings you to December 25th, which might have affected the date decided for Christmas.

* December 25th is very near the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Some interpret this as symbolic of the darkness before the light, the birth of Jesus the bringer of light and hope.

There are no mustard answers to the question of why Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. The exact reasons probably combine historical, religious, and cultural elements.