The Winter Solstice, which marks the shortest day of the year, was called Yule in Germany and Scandinavia. People there celebrated Yule by feasting, drinking, and singing. Christians referred to these people as pagans, which was a word for non-Christians. The Winter Scolstice falls between December 21st and 23rd. After that, the days get longer. So, having Jesus’ birthday on the 25th was perfect, as it showed that he brought light to the world with his birth. It also made it easier to get the pagans to join the “Christian” festival.