Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and traditions. But did you know there are some surprising and little-known facts about this beloved holiday? From its origins to modern-day customs, Christmas is full of wonders that might just surprise you.
In today’s blog post we will uncover together some surprising Christmas facts that will add a dash of magic to your holiday season.
The first Christmas Tree
The first surprising fact is related to the tradition of decorating Christmas trees and if you may or might not know this began in Germany. Devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes, a tradition later popularized by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the 19th century. How awesome is that we now get to experience this one together with our families?
Santa’s Red Suit is a Coca-Cola Creation
Shocking, but Santa Claus didn’t always wear a red suit. The iconic red and white Santa suit as we all know it, was popularized by Coca-Cola advertising campaigns in the 1930s. Prior to that, Santa was often depicted in a variety of colorful robes.
The Legend of Rudolph
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created as a marketing gimmick. Difficult to believe? But in 1939, Robert L. May created Rudolph for a Montgomery Ward department store Christmas promotion. Since then, this reindeer quickly became a beloved holiday icon.
The World’s Largest Christmas Gift
The Statue of Liberty is the largest Christmas gift ever given. France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States in 1886, and it’s considered the largest Christmas gift in history, symbolizing friendship and freedom.
Christmas Crackers
Christmas crackers are a British invention. Invented by Tom Smith in 1847, Christmas crackers contain small gifts, jokes, and a paper hat. They have their origins for a lavish banquet hosted by the British royal family.
Whether it’s the origins of the Christmas tree or the unique customs from around the globe, these fascinating facts remind us of the magic and wonder that make this holiday so special. What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions and their origins? 🎄
