10 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Christmas Celebrations
Here’s a deeper dive into each of the 10 facts about Christmas celebrations:
1. Christmas Date
• The date, December 25th, was chosen in the 4th century by the Roman Church, possibly to align with the Winter Solstice or the Roman festival of Saturnalia, a celebration of the god Saturn, which also included feasting and gift-giving.
• Scholars believe Jesus was more likely born in the spring, based on biblical descriptions of shepherds watching their flocks at night.
2. Origins of the Term “Christmas
• “Christ’s Mass” refers to a special Eucharistic service in honor of Jesus Christ’s birth.
• It became shortened to “Christmas” over centuries, with variations like “Noël” in French or “Navidad” in Spanish.
3. Santa Claus’s Roots
• St. Nicholas of Myra, a bishop in modern-day Turkey, became known for secret gift-giving, such as placing coins in shoes.
• His Dutch name, Sinterklaas, evolved into Santa Claus when Dutch settlers brought the tradition to America.
• The modern image of Santa, with his red suit and white beard, was popularized in the 19th century by Clement Clarke Moore’s poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (1823), and Coca-Cola ads in the 1930s.
4. Christmas Tree Tradition
• Early Germans brought evergreens into their homes as a symbol of eternal life during the winter solstice.
• Martin Luther is often credited with adding candles to the tree to mimic the stars shining through the night.
• The tradition spread to Britain in the 1840s when Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, introduced the Christmas tree to the royal family.
5. First Christmas Card
• The first commercial card was designed by John Horsley in 1843. It featured a festive family scene and the message, “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.”
• Initially criticized for showing people drinking wine, it nevertheless became popular and started a global tradition.
6. Gift-Giving Origins
• Gift-giving dates back to ancient Roman festivals, where small presents were exchanged during Saturnalia.
• The Christian tradition ties it to the Magi, or the Wise Men, who brought gifts to baby Jesus.
• In modern times, gift-giving became commercialized in the 19th century, particularly with the rise of department stores.
7. Most Popular Christmas Song
• “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby was first performed in the movie Holiday Inn (1942) and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
• It has sold over 50 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling single of all time.
• Its popularity soared during World War II, resonating with soldiers longing for home.
8. Christmas Colors
• Red: Represents the blood of Christ and the sacrifice associated with His life and death.
• Green: Represents eternal life and hope, often associated with evergreen plants like holly and mistletoe.
• Gold: Symbolizes light, wealth, and the gifts brought by the Magi, particularly gold.
9. Worldwide Celebrations
• In Japan, Christmas is a secular and romantic holiday. People enjoy KFC meals (a tradition started by a 1974 marketing campaign) and exchange small gifts.
• In Mexico, families celebrate Las Posadas, re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter.
• In Australia, Christmas occurs in summer, and many celebrate with beach barbecues or outdoor festivities.
10. Christmas in Space
• During Apollo 8 in 1968, astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders orbited the moon on Christmas Eve.
• They read verses from the Book of Genesis, sent Christmas greetings, and made history as the first humans to celebrate the holiday beyond Earth.
• Space Christmases continue today on the International Space Station, where astronauts share meals, decorate, and connect with loved ones via video calls.
