- 1. What Christmas Is Really About
- 2. Global Variants in Christmas Dates
- 3. What's this 'Xmas' Dealing With
- 4. The Victorians Set the Trend for Christmas Modern Day Celebrations
- 5. History of the Christmas Tree
- 6. The Norway Christmas Tree Gift
- 7. The Rise to Popularity of Santa Claus
- 8. Christmas Characters Around the World
- 9. Surprising Origins of 'Jingle Bells'
- 10. The Time When Christmas Was Banned
- 11. The Christmas Stocking Tradition
- 12. The World's Biggest Christmas Tree
- 13. The First Christmas Card Was Mailed in 1843
As the year draws to a close, Christmas is a time of sparkling lights, mouth-watering feasts, heart-warming music, and fascinating gifts really waited for by millions all over the world. But in fact, how many of these facts do you think you know? Let’s dive into 13 interesting facts about Christmas, and it will blow your mind!
1. What Christmas Is Really About
It is mainly a Christian holiday in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God. We celebrate Christmas on December 25 every year, but nobody knows on which date Jesus was actually born. The date was chosen by the Roman Catholic Church since it coincided with several ancient festivals. So, even though we celebrate on December 25, no one really knows the exact date of Jesus’ birth.
2. Global Variants in Christmas Dates
Well, do you know that the other Christendom members observe this on different dates? Countries like Russia, Ukraine, to Romania with a great and significant population of Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on 7th January.
3. What’s this ‘Xmas’ Dealing With
The word “Christmas” is derived from the Old English phrase Cristes maesse, which means “Christ’s mass.” Where did the abbreviation “Xmas” come from? The “X” is actually the Greek letter “Chi,” which is the first letter in the word Χριστός, the Greek word for Christ.
4. The Victorians Set the Trend for Christmas Modern Day Celebrations
Most of the Christmas traditions, such as sending Christmas cards, gifting, and popping Christmas crackers, started off in the Victorian era. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert simply loved Christmas, and by their influence, Christmas gained further momentum.
5. History of the Christmas Tree
Victorian Britain is credited with the history of either using or decorating Christmas trees, but actually, this tradition first came into being in Germany in the 16th century. Evergreen plants have symbolized eternal life since ancient times, used by the Romans and Ancient Egyptians.
6. The Norway Christmas Tree Gift
Each year, Norway gives the UK a Christmas tree, and each year it is 20 meters tall right in the heart of London in Trafalgar Square. This is a gesture of gratitude since the UK helped during the Second World War.
7. The Rise to Popularity of Santa Claus
The name “Santa Claus” was derived from the term Sinterklaas. He was, in fact, the Dutch version of Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop who was very generous and kind to children. Over time, it evolved into Santa Claus, becoming the universal gift-giving persona.
8. Christmas Characters Around the World
In Italy, there’s La Befana, a friendly witch who flies around on a broomstick, giving gifts to children on January 5. In Iceland, kids leave their shoes for the 13 Yule Lads, mischievous trolls, who reward well-behaved children with sweets or a rotten potato.
9. Surprising Origins of ‘Jingle Bells’
Jingle Bells was not initially a Christmas song. Written in 1850, it was originally called “One Horse Open Sleigh” and created to commemorate American Thanksgiving! It wasn’t until later that the song became associated with Christmas.
10. The Time When Christmas Was Banned
Hard to believe, but yes, in 1644, Christmas celebrations were made illegal in England! The festivities were banned because the government felt the religious meaning had been overshadowed by excessive partying. Christmas was reinstated in 1660.
11. The Christmas Stocking Tradition
Traditionally, Saint Nicholas threw coins into the stockings of three sisters who were unable to marry due to lack of dowry money. Today, children hang stockings for Santa to fill with goodies on Christmas Eve.
12. The World’s Biggest Christmas Tree
In 2018, the world’s tallest Christmas tree stood at 51 meters in Dubai, featuring over 100,000 lights, 10,000 ornaments, and even a Ferrari beneath it!
13. The First Christmas Card Was Mailed in 1843
The first Christmas card was designed by John Calcott Horsley for Sir Henry Cole in 1843, featuring a family enjoying Christmas. It became popular overnight, and today, millions of Christmas cards are exchanged globally every year.
Wrapping Up: The Magic of Christmas
Rich traditions, interesting history, and heart-warming moments make the feeling of Christmas special. Be it the company of family, feasting on delectable dishes, or quiet moments beside the tree, here are some interesting Christmas facts that explain how much dear this holiday is to every human heart.