Modern-day astronomers sat that the famous star of Bethlehem wasn’t a star at all. More than likely, it was either a comet or an astronomical phenomenon caused by the conjunction of several planets at once.
Because the British Parliament felt Christmas was a heathen holiday, they officially abolished all related festivities in 1643.
The historical records of 1836 shows Alabama as the first state in the Union to give Christmas the status of holiday. Oklahoma was the last state to confirm; they didn’t declare it a legal holiday until 1907.
The first commemorative Christmas stamp was issued in Austria in 1937.
Donder (not Donner), which means thunder, was the original name of the reindeer who helped pull Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. He was paired with Blitzen, whose name means lightning.
The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was written specifically as a sales gimmick for the Montgomery Ward Company in 1939 by one of their employees, Robert L. May. The little book was given freely to every customer who shopped there during the holiday season.
The candy cane first gained popularity in churches, where it was given as a treat to children who behaved themselves during services.
Eggnog wasn’t always the creamy, rich drink we know today. It’s a derivation of a seventeenth century ale called “nog.” The Irish celebrated each Christmas Eve by drinking a pint or so, for in their country all pubs were closed on Christmas Day.
Gingerbread houses became popular holidays gifts during the 19th century after The Brothers Grimm released the story of Hansel & Gretel.
St. Francis of Assisi introduced the singing of carols to holiday church services.
The first American carol—a carol entitled “Jesus is born” – was written by Reverend John de Brebeur in 1649.
At midnight on the Christmas Eve of 1914, Germany gunfire suddenly halted & was replaced by the singing of carols. At daybreak, the German soldiers began to call out “Merry Christmas” to their foes. Before long, both sides declared a truce, shook hands with each other, and exchanged gifts of food, cigarettes, & liquor. The merriment and goodwill lasted for three days.
Irving Berlin wrote the popular carol “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” in 1942 specifically for the movie Holiday Inn, in which Bing Crosby starred.
Two years after World War II ended, the people of Oslo, Norway sent a holiday tree to the city of Westminster in appreciation of British support. This tradition continues today.
Along the shores of the Mississippi River especially along the Louisiana coast line bonfires are lit on Christmas Eve. Their purpose is to guide the way for Father Christmas.
The image of Santa as we know it today was popularized by none other than the Coca-Cola Company.
The custom of Santa eating cookies on Christmas Eve originated in Germany where trees were decorated with fruit, flowers, and sweet confections. After leaving gifts for good children, he’d simply help himself to the goodies on the tree!
Santa’s fur-trimmed suit, his cap, and his cloak were fashioned after the clothing of the Dutch saint, Nicholas, who wore a bishop’s mitre & vestments.
St. Nick doesn’t get a vacation after the winter holidays. Since he’s also the patron saint responsible for Greece, Russia, sailors, merchants, pawnbrokers, bakers, prisoners, children, and wolves, he’s very busy spirit year ‘round.
