Did You Know…?! 12 Interesting Facts About Christmas
By Krista Roman
Test your knowledge on the festive season with these 12 lesser-known tidbits about Christmas! And don’t forget to share how many facts you knew in the comment section.
1. According to SantaClaus.com the big guy celebrates his birthday on March 15, making Kris Kringle a Pisces. This birthday connects back to the legendary St. Nicholas.
2. The first Christmas movie was released in 1898 and it was called “Santa Claus.”
3. The first official Christmas cards were sent by Queen Victoria in England during the 1840s.
4. The traditional red and white Santa suit that we all know and love today, was popularized by the Coca-Cola Company in the 1930s. Prior to this modernization, a cartoonist in Victorian times named Thomas Nast, depicted Saint Nicholas in an all red ensemble.
5. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which in today’s world, would be classified as Palestine.
6. Prince Albert of England introduced the first modern Christmas tree to the world in the 1840s. The Victorians are credited with starting many of the traditions we observe today.
7. The first Christmas tree in the White House was placed by President Benjamin Harrison in 1889; but some historians contend that Franklin Pierce was actually the first to put a tree up during his tenure in Office during the 1850s.
8. The first manufactured Christmas ornaments were crafted of glass baubles in Germany by Hans Greiner around 1847. However, decorating a Christmas tree with ornaments dates back much further than this.
9. Santa Claus has been a resident of the North Pole since the 19th century. Because no citizens (other than Mrs. Claus, the magical elves and flying reindeer) reside there with Santa, there is no time zone in this part of the world.
10. St. Nicholas was born around A.D. 270 in modern-day Turkey and was renowned for his kindness and compassion. His feast day is observed and celebrated around the world on December 6.
11. Red and Green became the official colors of Christmas thanks to the Celtics who revered the hues found in holly plants which survived the winter. They believed the plants kept the Earth beautiful and brought forth good luck and protection into their homes. Additionally, throughout the Bible, red and green are colors that depict Jesus. Red is the color of the blood of Jesus Christ and green is the shade of evergreen trees, representing eternal life as it stays this color throughout the winter season.
12. The Twelve Days of Christmas are actually observed in the days following December 25, leading up to the feast of the Epiphany, Three Kings’ Day, or “Little Christmas” as it is also known by and celebrated on January 6.