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17 Fascinating Christmas Fun Facts to Tell Your Kids on Holiday Night
Dec
The festive season of Christmas brings with it a sackful of traditions, stories, and joyous customs passed down through generations. Amidst the shimmering lights, the aroma of freshly baked cookies, and the warmth of familial gatherings, lies a treasure trove of captivating and often lesser-known facts that add sparkle to this cherished holiday. Let’s unwrap some of the delightful and surprising Christmas fun facts that make this time of the year even merrier!
The Origins of Santa Claus
Santa Claus, the rosy-cheeked, gift-bearing figure adored by children worldwide, finds his roots in the historical figure of Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop from present-day Turkey. Over centuries, his story transformed into the merry, red-suited icon we know today, thanks to the influence of various cultures and literary works.
The World’s Tallest Christmas Tree
Each year, cities around the world vie for the title of the tallest Christmas tree. In 1950, a Douglas fir standing at a staggering 221 feet in Seattle, Washington, earned the distinction of being the tallest Christmas tree ever erected.
The White House Gingerbread Masterpiece
The White House kitchen staff creates an awe-inspiring gingerbread house annually. In recent years, these culinary works of art have included replicas of the White House itself, featuring astonishing details crafted entirely from edible materials.
A Royal First: Christmas Tree Lighting
Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, introduced the Christmas tree tradition to the British royal family in the late 18th century. This marked the first recorded instance of a Christmas tree being decorated in a royal palace.
The Technicolor of Christmas Lights
Before the invention of electric Christmas lights, trees were adorned with candles, presenting a fire hazard. However, in 1882, Edward Johnson, a close associate of Thomas Edison, showcased the first electrically illuminated Christmas tree, stringing together eighty small electric bulbs to create a spectacular display.
A Christmas Classic: “Jingle Bells”
Written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont, “Jingle Bells” wasn’t intended as a Christmas song; it was originally composed for Thanksgiving. Over time, its catchy tune and festive spirit made it a holiday anthem.
National Holiday in Space
Christmas is celebrated even beyond the confines of Earth. Astronauts on the International Space Station have marked Christmas with special meals, decorations, and messages beamed back to Earth, adding a cosmic touch to the festivities.
The First Commercial Christmas Card
The first printed Christmas card was commissioned in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant. It featured a festive scene and was designed by John Callcott Horsley. Today, these cards are an integral part of spreading holiday cheer.
A “White Christmas” Prediction
The song “White Christmas,” written by Irving Berlin, is one of the best-selling singles of all time. Interestingly, Berlin, a Jewish immigrant, penned this holiday classic despite never experiencing a snowy Christmas firsthand.
The Advent Calendar’s Origins
Originating in Germany in the 19th century, advent calendars initially involved counting down to Christmas with chalk marks on doors or lighting candles. The first printed advent calendar, featuring little doors to open, was created in the early 20th century.
Norway’s Unique Tradition
In Norway, it’s a tradition to hide brooms on Christmas Eve to prevent witches and evil spirits from stealing them to ride through the skies. This belief has its roots in ancient pagan customs.
The KFC Christmas Feast in Japan
In Japan, it’s a popular tradition to celebrate Christmas with a Kentucky Fried Chicken feast. Thanks to a successful marketing campaign in the 1970s, KFC has become synonymous with Christmas in Japan.
The Origins of Stockings by the Fireplace
Legend has it that the tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace comes from the tale of St. Nicholas, who supposedly dropped bags of gold down a chimney. The gold landed in stockings hung by the fire to dry.
The Largest Gathering of Santas
Every year, hundreds of people dress as Santa Claus and gather in different cities worldwide for SantaCon, a festive event where participants spread cheer and goodwill in their communities.
The 13 Santas of Iceland
In Icelandic folklore, there isn’t just one Santa Claus—there are 13 Yule Lads, mischievous characters who visit children on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas, each with their own distinct personalities and habits.
The Poinsettia’s Christmas Connection
The vibrant red and green foliage of the poinsettia plant became associated with Christmas due to a Mexican legend. It tells the story of a girl, unable to afford a gift for Jesus, who gathered weeds on the roadside, which miraculously bloomed into poinsettias.
The Christmas Pickle Tradition
In some parts of the United States, there’s a quirky tradition involving hiding a pickle-shaped ornament in the Christmas tree. The first child to find the pickle on Christmas morning gets an extra present or good luck for the year.
Do You Have any other Christmas Fun Facts to Add?
These whimsical and sometimes quirky Christmas fun facts add layers of intrigue and charm to the holiday season, making Christmas a time not just for festive cheer but also for discovering the rich tapestry of traditions and stories from across the globe.
