The Holiday Season is on your doorstep! Get ready to discover some truly amazing fun facts about Christmas that you probably never knew. These tidbits will not only entertain you but also enrich your holiday spirit. Let’s dive in!
1. The Date of Christmas
Did you know that the Greeks celebrated Christmas on January 7? It wasn’t until A.D. 350 that Pope Julius I declared December 25 as the official date for Christmas.
2. The Origin of ‘Xmas’
In Greek, the letter ‘X’ represents Christ. This is where the term ‘Xmas’ comes from. It’s a shorthand that has become widely accepted.
3. Santa Claus: A Real Saint
Santa Claus is based on a real person! St. Nicholas of Myra, who lived in what is now Turkey during the fourth century, inspired the legend. The name ‘Santa Claus’ comes from the German ‘Sankt Niklaus.’
4. The Story of Christmas Stockings
The tradition of hanging Christmas stockings comes from a touching story. Three sisters couldn’t afford a marriage dowry. St. Nicholas helped them by sneaking down the chimney and filling their stockings with gold coins.
5. Early Christmas Tree Decorations
Did you know that apples were the first decorations for Christmas trees? This tradition changed when lights were introduced, thanks to Protestant reformer Martin Luther. He got the idea after seeing stars shining through the branches of a fir tree.
6. Paper Crowns in Britain
In Britain, wearing paper crowns on Christmas is a fun tradition. This custom dates back to the Roman Saturnalia celebrations, where people would wear festive headgear.
7. The Meaning of ‘Christmas’
The word ‘Christmas’ comes from the Old English term “Cristes maesse,” which means “Christ’s Mass.” It reflects the holiday’s religious roots.
8. The First Christmas in Britain
Christmas was first celebrated in Britain in 521 A.D. in York. This makes it a long-standing tradition in the country.
9. Growing Christmas Trees
On average, a Christmas tree takes about 15 years to grow. This is why many people choose to buy rather than grow their own trees.
10. Sending Christmas Cards
In America, the average household sends out 28 Christmas cards each year. Interestingly, they also receive about the same number back!
11. Santa’s Postal Code
In Canada, Santa Claus has his very own postal zip code: H0H 0H0. Kids can send letters to Santa and receive replies!
12. Christmas Was Once Illegal
In 1647, the English Parliament made Christmas illegal. Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell thought feasting on a holy day was immoral. The ban lasted until 1660 when Cromwell lost power.
13. The Origin of “Jingle Bells”
The famous song “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving in 1857. It’s now a staple of Christmas music.
14. Witches and Brooms
In Norway, people believed that witches would come out on Christmas Eve looking for brooms to ride. To protect their homes, they hid all the brooms and fired shotguns to scare away evil spirits.
15. Singing to Pets
A surprising 56% of Americans sing Christmas carols to their pets. It seems our furry friends get to enjoy the holiday spirit too!
16. Visa Card Swipes
During the Christmas shopping season, Visa cards are swiped an astonishing average of 5,340 times every minute in the United States. That’s a lot of holiday shopping!
17. Christmas Islands
There are two islands in the world named ‘Christmas’—one in the Pacific Ocean and another in the Indian Ocean. They both celebrate the holiday in their unique ways.
18. Breakups Before Christmas
According to studies, the two weeks leading up to Christmas is the most popular time for couples to break up. The holiday stress can take a toll on relationships.
19. The First Artificial Christmas Tree
The first artificial Christmas tree was made by Germans using dyed goose feathers. This creative idea paved the way for today’s artificial trees.
20. More Fun Facts Await!
Want to learn even more about Christmas? There are great books filled with fun facts that can stump you and surprise your family. They make for a fun read during the holiday season!
Conclusion
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and learning. These 20 Christmas fun facts offer a glimpse into the rich history and traditions surrounding this beloved holiday. Share these tidbits with your friends and family to spread the cheer!
Enjoy the holiday season and all the joy it brings!