Tom Verde – Why Christmas on Dec. 25?

While December 25 is certainly one of the most recognizable dates in the calendar, was it actually the date of Jesus’ birth? If so, how do we know, and if not, how was it determined? The talk explores the history behind the date of Christmas, as well as various traditions associated with a holiday that was at one time banned and more closely associated with riots than reverence. (This talk is not religious but is more academic and historical.)