274 – Roman Emperor Aurelian dedicates a temple to Sol Invictus on the supposed day of the winter solstice and day of rebirth of the Sun.
604 – Battle at Etampes (Stampae): Burgundy beat Neustriers
1261 – John IV Lascaris of the restored Eastern Roman Empire is deposed and blinded by orders of his co-ruler Michael VIII Palaeologus.
1775 – Pope Pius VI encyclical on the problems of the pontificate
1776 – American Revolutionary War: George Washington crosses Delaware River into New Jersey, surprises and defeats 1,400 Hessians
1818 – 1st known Christmas carol (“Silent Night, Holy Night” – “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht) sung (Austria)
1936 – Belgian bishops condemn fascism and communism
1953 – KNEV (95.5 The Vibe) radio broadcaster in Reno, Nevada begins broadcasting
1997 – For 1st time US movie box office receipts pass $6 billion
2012 – 8 people are killed and thousands left homeless after two fires strike Manila, Philippines