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