Things You Didn’t Know About Christmas

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and fun. But there is a lot more to Christmas than just Santa and presents! This article will discuss some interesting facts about Christmas that you may not have known. We will cover everything from the history of Christmas to the meaning behind many traditions! So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn some new things about Christmas!

Things You Didn’t Know About Christmas!

Christmas is a time of joy, family gatherings, and fun. But there is so much more to this holiday than just Santa and presents! Here are some interesting facts about Christmas that you may not have known:

The First Christmas Was Celebrated In Rome In 336 AD

For years, Christmas has been one of the most celebrated holidays throughout the world. A fixation on decorations, gifts, and grand feasts are some of the best-known aspects related to this annual event. However, few people know of its early history. The first Christmas celebration is claimed to have originated in Rome in 336AD and was founded by a Roman Emperor named Constantine I.

It was deemed a tribute to Jesus’ birth and was held on December 25th, according to 21st-century scholars — yet there are opposing theories as to why this date was chosen. One theory suggests he set the date near the winter solstice to Christianize pre-existing Pagan festivals traditionally held during this period; another claims it marked the fifteenth anniversary of his coronation in 321.

Yet regardless of Constantine’s reasons for choosing it, December 25th became widely accepted as the observance of Jesus’s birthday and marked a new tradition in religious celebrations throughout Europe. In conclusion, the first Christmas was established in Rome around 336 AD and, despite its contentious origin, has remained an iconic event ever since.

The Tradition Of Giving Gifts On Christmas Started With The Three Wise Men

Gift-giving has long been a part of the Christmas tradition. It is believed that the practice originated with the Three Wise Men, who offered baby Jesus gifts of frankincense, myrrh, and gold following his birth. Today, these Biblical gifts are an enduring symbol of generosity, inspiring people to exchange presents each holiday season.

For many cultures, gift-giving traditions have grown more elaborate over time. Grandparents often spoil their grandchildren with generous presents on Christmas morning; friends and family may take part in Secret Santa exchanges centered around a wishlist, and holiday greetings can come in the form of intricate cookie boxes filled with treats or cheerful packages under the tree.

More than two millennia since the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem, gifting remains an integral part of how we celebrate Christmas—a timeless tribute to what once was a single act of bearing gifts fit for a king. By incorporating feelings such as generosity and friendship into our festivities, Christmas continues to be a cherished opportunity to give back to one another.

Christmas Trees Were Originally Decorated With Fruit And Candles

For centuries, Christmas trees have decorated homes worldwide during the holiday season. While they may look quite different today than they did in the past, their history is still present in present-day these days practices. Believe it or not, Christmas trees were typically decorated with fruit and candles in earlier times.

In 1605, a German researcher wrote about how individuals placed apples and oranges on tree branches to create a festive scene. It wasn’t until later on that ornamentation changed from fruits to metal ornaments that became available due to improved technology, such as metal cutting tools.

Candles were also popular for decorating trees of yore, but fire hazards forced folks to come up with other ways of lighting up the tree without risking an accidental fire. The advent of flickering electric lights provided a safer alternative without losing the effects of warm holiday candlelight. Today’s traditions hold true to this change of materials over time which made it possible for us to continue designing beautiful Christmas trees year after year.​

Santa Claus Is Based On A Real Person, Saint Nicholas

Although Santa Claus is now viewed as a jolly, fictional character, he was originally based on a real historical figure: Saint Nicholas. Born in the 3rd century in what is now modern-day Turkey, St. Nicholas was known for his generosity and compassion. By all accounts, he was very kind to children and habitually gave gifts in secret. Over time, St. Nicholas became an essential symbol of goodwill, and most cultures celebrated his life with feasts and songs. As Christianity spread across Europe, stories about St. Nicholas were adapted to fit local customs and beliefs, eventually leading to the creation of the modern-day Santa Claus.

Just as St. Nicholas dedicated his life to bringing joy and peace to others, today’s incarnation of Santa continues to embody these timeless virtues passed down through generations. Thus it can be said that even though mythical aspects have been added over time, at its core, Santa Claus remains faithful to who it was initially based off – Saint Nicholas himself. He still retains many of Saint Nicholas’ traits – similarly to the saint, Santa is renowned for giving presents during the holiday season and especially rewarding children who have been good throughout the year.

Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Was Created By Robert L. May in 1939

Few stories have impacted holiday traditions more than the tale of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Originally written in 1939 by Robert L. May for Montgomery Ward, the story about an endearingly awkward reindeer who saves Christmas with his bright red nose has earned its place in the hearts of millions. An attempt to tap into something more playful and magical during a time when Americans were struggling, Rudolph has inspired countless spin-offs, from TV specials to toys and merchandise.

Thanks to May’s inspiring vision and creativity, Rudolph’s iconic image is now synonymous with Christmas cheer. The character was so popular that Montgomery Ward published their own illustrated book of the story, selling over six million copies. It can be said with confidence that Rudolph will remain a treasured part of American culture for years to come.

Jingle Bells Was Originally Written As A Thanksgiving Song

Few Christmas songs have stood the test of time, like “Jingle Bells,” but many people may not know that the song was never meant to be a Christmas carol! James Lord Pierpont originally wrote it for his Sunday school programs in the mid-1850s, and it wasn’t titled “Jingle Bells” — it was called One Horse Open Sleigh. The opening lines of the second verse, “Heap of laughing all the way,” gave a clue to its original purpose — it was designed to welcome Thanksgiving guests.

That makes sense when you consider the leadup to Thanksgiving:

• Everyone takes delight in reuniting with old friends and family.
• There’s a lot of fun and festivity.
• Nearby horses neigh with glee.

In later years, though, publishers decided to give it a more festive spin. And this good old song slowly became synonymous with Christmas — giving us all something special to listen to (and sing!) during holiday times. Truly an occasion worth jingling your bells over! Who could have known that what initially started out as just another Thanksgiving song would become one of the most beloved melodies in history?

Extra Things You Didn’t Know About Christmas

-In Japan, a popular Christmas tradition involves eating KFC – because fried chicken is often an American holiday symbol.

-An estimated 2 billion Christmas cards are sent out and received worldwide every year – making it the largest seasonal card-sending time of the year.

-The world’s most famous Christmas lights display is on the White House lawn, decorated with over 70 trees during the holiday season.

-Did you know that Christmas was once illegal in the United States? In 1659, a law was passed banning all holiday celebrations – including Christmas! Fortunately, this law was later repealed, and holidays (including Christmas) were declared legal again.

-Christmas is one of the most profitable times of the year for businesses and retailers, with total spending reaching an estimated $602 billion in the US alone.

Did You Know These Things About Christmas?

We hope you enjoyed reading this post, and have a Merry Christmas! Christmas is a time of year that is steeped in tradition. From the decorations to the songs, we observe many customs without even thinking about where they came from. This holiday has a long and varied history, and exploring some of the lesser-known facts about Christmas is fascinating.