Christmas Facts

Christmas is a popular holiday celebrated around the world on December 25th each year. It is a time for people to come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who is considered the son of God in the Christian religion. While many people are familiar with the traditional celebrations and customs associated with Christmas, there are also many interesting and lesser-known facts about this holiday that might surprise you. Here are over 50 facts about Christmas that you might not know.

1. The traditional colors associated with Christmas, red and green, are actually symbolic of the blood of Jesus and the eternal life offered through him.
2. Christmas trees were originally brought into homes to keep evil spirits away. It was believed that the evergreen trees, which remained green throughout the winter, had protective powers.
3. The first recorded Christmas celebration took place in Rome in 336 AD.
4. The custom of giving gifts on Christmas is believed to have originated from the gifts given by the three wise men to the baby Jesus.
5. The world’s largest Christmas stocking was made in Alabama in 2007. It measured over 100 feet long and could hold over 1,000 presents.
6. The song “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas.
7. The popular Christmas song “Deck the Halls” was originally written in Welsh, and its title is “Nos Galan.”
8. The first electric Christmas lights were used in the White House in 1895.
9. Santa Claus is believed to be based on a real person, Saint Nicholas, who lived in the 4th century and was known for his generosity and kindness.
10. Christmas was not declared a federal holiday in the United States until June 26, 1870.
11. The first known reference to Christmas in America appeared in a 1621 Virginia colony record.
12. In the Middle Ages, Christmas was celebrated for 12 days from December 25th until January 6th. This period is now known as the “Twelve Days of Christmas.”
13. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is believed to have originated in ancient Scandinavia, where it was believed that the plant had magical powers.
14. The holiday classic A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens was published on December 19, 1843.
15. The first Christmas tree in New York City was displayed in 1851 in the city’s Public Park (now known as Bryant Park).
16. The poinsettia, a popular Christmas plant, is native to Mexico. It was brought to the United States by Joel Poinsett, an American diplomat, in the 1820s.
17. The first Christmas stamps were issued in the United States in 1962.
18. In ancient times, people used holly and ivy to decorate their homes at Christmas.
19. The popular Christmas song “Silent Night” was written in 1818 in Austria.
20. The first known use of the term “Xmas” to abbreviate the word “Christmas” was in 1551.
21. The tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace on Christmas Eve comes from a Dutch legend about a poor man who could not afford to give his children any gifts.
22. In the Netherlands, a popular Christmas tradition is for children to leave their shoes by the fireplace on the night of December 5th. The next morning, they will find them filled with small gifts from “Sinterklaas,” the Dutch version of Santa Claus.
23. The word “Christmas” comes from the Old English “Cristes maesse,” which means “Christ’s mass.”
24. The earliest known reference to the celebration of Christmas on December 25th dates back to the year 336.
25. The Christmas tree is a popular tradition that originated in Germany. The first known Christmas tree was decorated in the 16th century.
26. Christmas carols are songs that are sung during the Christmas season. Some of the most popular Christmas carols include “Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “Deck the Halls.”
27. Mistletoe is a plant that is often associated with Christmas. It is believed to have magical powers that can bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
28. The song “Jingle Bells” was written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857. It is one of the most popular and enduring Christmas songs of all time.
29. The Christmas wreath is a circular garland that is often made of evergreen branches and decorated with holly, berries, and other festive elements. It is a symbol of eternal life and is often hung on doors during the Christmas season.
30. Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, is a popular figure in many Christmas traditions. He is said to be a jolly old man who delivers gifts to children on Christmas Eve.
31. The tradition of sending Christmas cards originated in England in the 1840s. The first Christmas cards were handmade and featured religious images or festive scenes.
32. The Christmas season officially begins on December 25th and ends on January 5th, also known as the Feast of the Epiphany.
33. The Christmas tree is typically decorated with ornaments, lights, and other festive items. The star or angel at the top of the tree represents the star of Bethlehem and the angel that announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds.
34. The Christmas cactus is a popular flowering plant that is often given as a gift during the holiday season. It is known for its vibrant red, pink, or white blooms.
35. Christmas pudding is a traditional dessert that is often served on Christmas Day. It is made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices and is typically soaked in brandy and set on fire before being served.
36. The popular Christmas carol “Silent Night” was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818 at the St. Nicholas Church in Austria.
37. The Christmas cracker is a popular British tradition. It is a small paper tube that is filled with a small gift, a joke, and a paper crown. It is typically pulled apart by two people, and the contents are shared.
38. The poinsettia is a popular Christmas plant that is native to Mexico. It is known for its bright red, star-shaped leaves.
39. The Christmas turkey is a popular main dish at many Christmas dinners. It is often stuffed with herbs and spices and served with a variety of side dishes.
40. The Yule log is a traditional Christmas dessert that is made of a large log-shaped cake that is decorated with icing and other festive elements. It is often served with a glass of eggnog.
41. The mistletoe plant is typically found growing on trees, and it is believed to have medicinal properties. In the past, it was used to treat a variety of ailments, including epilepsy and baldness.
42. The Advent calendar is a popular tradition that originated in Germany. It is a calendar with small windows that are opened each day leading up to Christmas. Each window contains a small treat or a piece of chocolate.
43. The Nutcracker ballet is a popular Christmas tradition. It is based on the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a nutcracker as a Christmas gift and goes on a magical adventure with it.
44. The Christmas season is often associated with the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. In many ancient cultures, the winter solstice was seen as a time of rebirth and renewal.
45. The Christmas tree is often adorned with lights and other decorations. In the past, candles were used to light up the tree, but today, electric lights are more commonly used.
46. The Christmas cookie is a popular holiday treat. It is often baked in the shape of Christmas trees, snowflakes, or other festive shapes and decorated with icing and sprinkles.
47. The Christmas story, as told in the Bible, tells of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. According to the story, Jesus was born in a stable and was visited by shepherds and wise men who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
48. The Christmas season is a time of giving and charitable acts. Many people donate to charities and volunteer their time to help those in need during the holiday season.
49. The Christmas tree is often a source of controversy. Some people believe that the use of real trees is harmful to the environment, while others argue that artificial trees are not sustainable.
50. The Christmas ham is a popular main dish at many Christmas dinners. It is often glazed with a mixture of honey, brown sugar, and spices and served with a variety of side dishes.
51. The Christmas season is often associated with snow and cold weather. In many parts of the world, snow is a rare occurrence, and the winter season is associated with warm and sunny weather.
52. The Christmas season is a time of celebration and joy. Many people attend church services, spend time with family and friends, and exchange gifts.
53. The Christmas stocking is a popular tradition that dates back to the 19th century and originated in Germany. Children would leave their stockings out on Christmas Eve, and St. Nicholas would fill please continue them with gifts and treats. Today, many people still follow this tradition and leave their stockings out on Christmas Eve for Santa to fill.