On this date
In A.D. 336, the first known commemoration of Christmas on Dec. 25 took place in Rome.
In 1818, “Silent Night (Stille Nacht)” was publicly performed for the first time during the Christmas Midnight Mass at the Church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf, Austria.
In 1946, comedian W.C. Fields died in Pasadena, Calif., at age 66.
In 1961, Pope John XXIII formally announced the upcoming convocation of the Second Vatican Council, which opened in October 1962.
In 1989, ousted
Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, were executed following a popular uprising.
In 1991, Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev went on television to announce his resignation as the eighth and final leader of a communist superpower that had already gone out of existence.
In 2006, James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul,” died in Atlanta at age 73.
Ten years ago: A tiger at the San Francisco Zoo escaped her enclosure and killed a park visitor; two brothers also were mauled but survived. (The tiger was killed by police.)
Five years ago: In his Christmas message to the world, Pope Benedict XVI called for an end to the slaughter in Syria and for more meaningful negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, while encouraging more religious freedom under China’s new leaders.
One year ago: George Michael, who rocketed to stardom with WHAM! and went on to enjoy a long and celebrated solo career, died at his home in Goring, England, at age 53.