I'll share some fun Christmas facts so you can wow your friends and family (even the in-laws) with these Christmas facts (or maybe win the local Christmas pub quiz?).
Armed with these fascinating Christmas facts, you'll never be lost for a conversation starter to break up the awkward silences over Christmas dinner. Get into our collection and be the party's Einstein this festive season!
Did you know these Christmas fun facts?
Santa's story
The tradition of Santa Claus is based on St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop from Myra (Turkey) known for his generosity and gift-giving.
Santa Claus is the American version of Sinterklaas, which is evident from his name: Santa Claus is a corruption of the Dutch Sint Nicolaas or Sinterklaas.
However, in the Netherlands, Sinterklaas has his 'own' day, the 5th of December, not a public holiday. On the 5th of December he brings presents and candy.
Christmas was not an official holiday in the United States until June 26, 1870.
The tradition of Christmas stockings comes from the legend of St. Nicholas dropping gold coins down the chimney, which landed in stockings hung to dry.
The modern image of Santa Claus was popularized by Coca-Cola advertisements. It happened in 1931 when they launched a Christmas advertising campaign that focused on a Santa Claus wearing the corporate colors white and red. His traditional clothing was green for centuries, was transformed to match the brand's motifs.
Christmas songs
The song "Jingle Bells" (originally named "One horse open sleigh") was originally written in 1857 for Thanksgiving, not Christmas.
"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby is the best-selling single of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide.
"Silent Night" was first performed on Christmas Day in 1818 in the St. Nikolauschurch in Oberndorf (near Salzburg, Austria).
Band Aid, the charity supergroup formed by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, brought together a remarkable array of talent to record the single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" The lineup included a mix of prominent British and Irish musicians, major stars of the 1980s. These artists, along with many others, came together to create a song that not only topped the charts but also raised significant funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Here are some of the members:
Bono (U2)
Phil Collins (Genesis and solo artist)
George Michael (Wham!)
Sting (The Police)
Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran)
Boy George (Culture Club)
Paul Young
Bob Geldof (The Boomtown Rats)
Midge Ure (Ultravox)
Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet)
Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet)
Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran)
John Taylor (Duran Duran)
Adam Clayton (U2)
Keren Woodward (Bananarama)
Sara Dallin (Bananarama)
Christmas movies
"Home Alone" is one of the highest-grossing Christmas movies of all time, earning over $476 million worldwide.
The tarantula scene from "Home Alone": the scream that Daniel Stern (Marv) makes when Kevin places a tarantula on his face was mimed and added in post-production. Stern was worried the loud noise would frighten the spider.
The character of the Grinch from Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" was inspired by the author’s own frustrations with the commercialization of Christmas.
The highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time (as of 2023) is "The Grinch" (2018), with a worldwide gross of over $511 million.
In the movie "Elf". the scene when Buddy eats different candies and pastries with the spaghetti noodles, had to be shot twice, because actor Will Ferrell vomited the first time.
Christmas tree
The Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center in New York City was first erected in 1931 during the Great Depression. Workers at the Rockefeller Center construction site pooled their money to buy a Christmas tree. They got a 20-foot balsam fir and decorated it with handmade garlands and cranberry strings from their families. The workers then lined up at the tree to receive their paychecks.
The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree began in Germany and Livonia (now Latvia) in the 16th century, when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.
Bonus Christmas fun facts
The world’s largest Christmas stocking from Sedalia, Missouri measured over 106 feet long and 49 feet wide, and it weighed as much as five reindeer.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created in 1939 as a marketing gimmick for Montgomery Ward, a Chicago-based department store.
The "Twelve Days of Christmas" refers to the period between December 25th and January 5th, leading up to the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th.
Christmas crackers, a popular British tradition, were invented by a London confectioner named Tom Smith in 1847? They contain a small gift, a joke, and a paper hat.
Armed with these fascinating facts, you'll never be lost for a conversation starter to break up the dull (okay, awkward) silences over Christmas dinner.
Impress family and friends with your newfound knowledge and perhaps even become the holiday trivia champion!
From the origins of Santa Claus to the stories behind beloved Christmas songs and movies, you now have a treasure trove of trivia to share. So, dive into our collection, spark lively discussions, and be the party's Einstein this festive season. Merry Christmas and happy fact-sharing!
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