26 interesting facts about Christmas

Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year and is a time for families to come together and exchange gifts, decorate their homes and enjoy good food. From its humble beginnings to its current state as a global holiday, here are some interesting facts about Christmas.

Facts about Christmas:

1. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
2. The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 16th century.
3. The first Christmas cards were created in England in the 19th century.
4. The tradition of hanging mistletoe dates back to the ancient Druids.
5. Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, is a figure based on Saint Nicholas, a 4th century bishop.
6. The word “Christmas” originates from the Old English words “Cristes Maesse”, meaning “Mass of Christ”.
7. The custom of giving gifts at Christmas is said to originate from the Three Wise Men’s gifts to the baby Jesus.
8. The song “Jingle Bells” was originally written as a Thanksgiving song, but later became associated with Christmas.
9. The Christmas season officially begins with the celebration of Advent, which starts four Sundays before Christmas.
10. The tradition of carol singing dates back to the middle ages and is still a popular way to celebrate Christmas today.
11. The red and green colors associated with Christmas are thought to symbolize the blood of Christ and the eternal life offered through him.
12. The tradition of Christmas crackers, which are paper tubes filled with toys and sweets, started in the mid-19th century.
13. The first Christmas lights were used in America in the early 20th century.
14. The Poinsettia, a native Mexican plant, has become a popular Christmas decoration in the United States.
15. In the United Kingdom, Christmas pudding is traditionally served on Christmas Day and contains dried fruit, nuts, and spices.
16. Christmas is a time for charity, with many organizations and individuals volunteering their time and resources to help those in need.
17. The Christmas story is told in the Bible in the book of Matthew, chapter 2, and the book of Luke, chapter 2.
18. The tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace dates back to Dutch tradition, where children would leave out clogs filled with hay for Sinterklaas’ horse.
19. The “Twelve Days of Christmas” refers to the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6th.
20. In Norway, the “Yule Goat” is a traditional Christmas decoration, made from straw and often used as a gift-giver.
21. In Greece, a “Yule Log” is burned on Christmas Eve to symbolize the light of Christ overcoming the darkness.
22. In Mexico, “Las Posadas” is a tradition where Mary and Joseph’s search for a stable is re-enacted by children.
23. The “Nutcracker” ballet, based on the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, is a popular Christmas tradition in many countries.
24. In Finland, Santa Claus is known as “Joulupukki” and is said to live in Lapland.
25. The Christmas star, also known as the Star of Bethlehem, is said to have guided the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus.
26. In Australia, Christmas falls in the middle of Summer and is often celebrated with barbecues and beach trips.

Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year and is a time for families to come together and exchange gifts, decorate their homes and enjoy good food. From its humble beginnings to its current state as a global holiday, here are some interesting facts about Christmas. Facts…