24 Interesting Facts and Information about Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, all of us are fascinated about the mesmerizing memories it used to give. It’s a period of merriment with family and friends. Make your little ones engage in the celebrations. It would be exciting for them to know some interesting facts about Christmas.

1. The term “Christmas”

Christmas is derived from Old English “cristes masses” means, “Mass of Christ”.

The shortened form of Christmas is “X mas” or “X mass”, it is being used from 16 th century.

2. World’s Tallest Christmas Tree

The tallest Christmas tree was erected and decorated in Seattle, Washington. It measured about 221ft tall. It was displayed in the year 1950, December.

3. Here comes the Candy Canes

Candy canes are invented in Germany in 1837.This was first exhibited in Massachusetts in USA.  It was made as ‘J’ shaped as “j” for Jesus. The red stripes are used to symbolize his blood.

Early recipes of candy canes are simply sugar flavored, but now flavors of peppermint and wintergreen are also used.

4. It’s Finger Lickin’ Good

Christmas in Japan means to have KFC!

In Japan it is a tradition to eat KFC for Christmas. They need to place orders in advance, at least two months before.

5. Jingle Bells , Jingle Bells…

Jingle all the way!

This was originally a Thanksgiving song written by James Pierpont between 1853 and 1857. It was originally called “One Horse Open Sleigh”. It was the first song played in space by astronauts Thomas P Stafford and Walter Schirra Jr .

6. Christmas Shopping

It’s interesting to note that 1 in 3 men used to wait until Christmas Eve to do their shopping.

7. Biggest Christmas Gift Ever!

Christmas is the time of sharing gifts with your friends and families. People either buy lovely gifts or make gifts to present to their loved ones. Do you know which is the best Christmas gift ever presented?

The Statue of Liberty was gifted to US by France in 1886. It is the biggest Christmas gift presented ever.

8. Christmas Trees

Christmas trees usually grow for about 15 years before they can be sold. It grows up to a height of 6 to 7 feet tall.  It was commercially sold in U.S. from 1850s.

For every Christmas tree being harvested, one to three seedlings are planted in the following spring.

9. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was first an advertising gimmick for Montgomery Ward in 1839.This is a Christmas classic and a beloved watch every year.

10. Illness and Christmas left over’s…

As Christmas is a time for gathering, leftovers are a main part. It is believed that more than 40,000 illnesses are caused by Christmas leftovers.

11. Christmas according to Bible

According to the Bible, Christ was not actually born in winter, and it’s said that Christmas is not about Christ’s birthday.

12. A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens loved to celebrate Christmas. He took only six weeks to write A Christmas Carol. It was published in the year 1843.

13. Facts about Christmas Cards

It is estimated that Americans buy about 1.6 billion Christmas cards every year. Sir Henry Cole and John Horsley are credited with the invention of Christmas cards. Their original card fetched about 20,000 pounds.

The most expensive card in the world was being sold at an auction in the UK city of Devizes.

14. High Demand for Visa cards

During the Christmas season, visa cards are being used about 1000 times every minute.

15. The White House Christmas Tree

In the year 1889, Franklin Pierce was the first president to put up an official Christmas tree in White House. It was placed in the second floor Yellow Oval room. This tree was decorated with toys, candles for Harrison’s grandchildren.

16. Lego during Christmas

During the Christmas season, almost 28 sets of LEGO are sold every second. It is believed that every person on the earth possess an average of 80 Lego bricks.

17. Santa Claus

Initially Santa Claus wore different color robes.  In the late 1800s Santa Claus was first used for promotion by Coca-Cola Company for their winter promotions with an outfit of red suit. This began portraying him as a jolly man in red.

18. Yule- Tree

Yule tress goes back in Pagan tradition. It is the other name for Christmas tree. It was decorated initially with candles and stars.

19. Synonyms for Christmas

During olden times, other names for Christmas were; ‘Midwinter’, ‘Nativity’ and ‘Yule’, ‘Feast day’ etc

20. Christmas Tree Decoration

It is believed that Christmas tree decoration was first started in the 16th century in Germany. It was first decorated in Riga, Latvia, 1510. The tradition of using evergreen trees to celebrate winter started before the birth of Christ.

21. The ‘X’ in ‘X -mas

The ‘X’ in ‘X -mas refers to ‘Christ’ according to Greeks, it dates back to the 16th century. The “X” in “X mas” was derived from the Greek language.

22. Largest Christmas Tree

Evergreen trees and plants have a special meaning for people during winter. Christmas trees are erected and decorated worldwide. The largest floating Christmas tree in the world is in Rio Janerio is 278 feet tall.

23. ‘Twelve Holy Days’

The period from December 25- January 5 is referred to as ‘Christmastide’ or ‘Twelve Holy Days’. During these days the families get together and sing carols and hymns and recite prayers.

24. The Three Wise Men

This is one of the biggest facts about Christmas that too many people don’t know.

During this season, gifts are shared symbolizing the gifts given to Christ (p.b.h.u) by the three wise men.

The name of three wise men who visited Jesus Christ was Gaspar(or Caspar), Melchior, Balthazar.

The gifts are bought from the east of  Israel in Arabia. This is one of the biggest facts about Christmas that too many people don’t know.

Conclusion

Festivals are always a period of joy and fun. All celebrations begin at home and the memories are cherished in the years to come.

Also Read: 9 New Year Resolution Every Student Should have for 2020

Have a glance at the facts about Christmas and feel the spirit of this joyous festival. Remember to partake your little ones by decorating your lovely home, cake making, Christmas tree decorations etc. Enjoy the season and spread joy!!!