It's always struck me that Christmas is far more a Pagan holiday than a Christian one. Christ wasn't born on the night of December 24, but the holiday was moved there by the Romans to correspond with Northern Pagan observances of the shortest day of the year, or rebirth of the Sun, which is on or about December 21 (the winter solstice). I went on a quick search for websites where this was discussed, and I found this one and I also found this posting of exact times of the equinoxes and solsitces. I think it's unfortunate that modern culture lost touch with the celestial roots of our Calendar. The year begins and ends on a completely arbritrary and months don't follow seasons. Of course, the month started out as a lunar cycle (28-29 days, or roughly 4 weeks) but extended so exactly 12 would fit into a year. But now I'm rambling. Here's a "Seasons for dummies" type thing I also found. Yeah for Google!

So, Happy Winter Solstice everybody!!!!