Come Christmas and the sounds of bells start ringing in our mind and we immediately start thinking about the great Santa Claus. Kids eagerly wait for the occasion in expectation of gifts, to be given by the Santa Secretly. But do you know there are lots of interesting and amazing facts about Christmas
1. MAJOR REASON OF CELEBRATION
Christmas is primarily a Christian holiday marking the birth of Jesus Christ. The 25th day of December was chosen to mark His birthday by the Roman Catholic Church years after His death and this occasion is actually celebrated by people all over the world.
2. WHO FIRST USED CHRISTMAS TREES
This festival involves the use of Christmas trees, it was first used by the ancient Egyptians and Romans. They used evergreen trees like fir or pine trees, wreaths, and garlands.
3. GERMANS DID IT FIRST
The use of modern Christmas trees actually began in Germany 16th century onward. Nowadays we see gorgeous decorations but earlier they were decorated with fruits and nuts.
4. X-MAS INCORPORATION
‘Xmas’ term was first used in the 16th century. The ‘X’ in the word Xmas comes from the ancient Greek language. In Greek, Christ begins with the letter X, and the term “Xmas” simply means Christmas.
5. HOW SANTA WAS BORN
Christmas is special for the children as they know they will be receiving gifts from Santa Claus. But do you how Santa Claus came into this world. Well, the character of Santa Claus is based on St. Nicholas. As per a legend, St. Nicholas was a Christian bishop who always helped the poor and needy. He also loved children and enjoyed giving gifts to them. And as his story spread, he was called “Sinterklaas” in Dutch, which later transformed into Santa Claus.
6. DID SANTA ALWAYS WEAR RED CLOTHS
Santa Claus in fact did not dress up in red cloths in the ancient past. He used to wear clothes that were green, purple, or blue in color, and this custom was prevalent at the North Pole for many years. It was actually the company Coca Cola that decided to dress him up in the Red color in order to synchronize with their brand color, the background of which was red color-based.
7. CHRISTMAS WREATH SIGNIFICANCE
The Christmas wreath has its own significance. Christmas wreaths are constructed of evergreen plants so as to represent everlasting life brought through Jesus and the circular shape of the wreath represents God.
The wreath visualizes the crown of thorns that Jesus wore. In later centuries – red, green, and gold colors were added. The red color is the symbol of the blood of Jesus, green is supposed to be representative of life, while gold signifies royalty and light.
8. ALBAMA RECOGNIZED IT FIRST
Alabama was the first state in the US to recognize Christmas as a holiday in the year 1836.
9. THE LARGEST CHRISTMAS GIFT PRESENTED EVER
Most of us would know that Christmas is also the time of exchanging gifts. But do you know the largest Christmas present given ever – well it is the Statue of Liberty! The Statue of Liberty was gifted by France to the USA as a Christmas gift in the year 1886.
10. KIDS’ SWEATER COMPETITION
People in the greater part of the globe have contests such as the ‘best Christmas sweater competition’, when kids wear cute Christmas sweaters, looking quite adorable and charming. Their parents have lovely memories to cherish eternally.
