Christianity Today is a good source of information. My bit of new information was gleaned from another source from this year and darn it I can't remember it exactly. I just heard it like less than a couple of weeks ago. This source did suggest one reason could have been a mistranslation...I think, if I remember correctly.
It already was common practice to borrow dates and traditions when the final Dec 25th date was chosen....so that isn't in dispute. I was just not agreeing to the one statement basically saying that since no one could stop people from celebrating the Sol day they just turned it into Christ's Birthday. (more or less)
Anyway Senex, you did a fine job here and I enjoyed doing the activities. :)