Here's an interesting link about the pagan (specifically Roman) origins of Christmas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sol_Invictus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sol_Invictus
I have studied the Bible and the theology behind Christianity for many years. I have been to many churches. I have walked the depth and the breadth of the religion and, as a result of this, I have a lot of bullshit to scrape off the bottom of my shoes. ~Ziploc Surprise