How New York City Got Its Juicy Nickname “The Big Apple” — And What It Means To The World

Beyond the twinkling lights and festive carols lie captivating facts that breathe life into the season. Explore the historical roots of beloved traditions, from the inception of Christmas trees in Germany to unique global celebrations. With each revelation, witness the magic that unites people worldwide during this joyous time. Join us on a journey through the heartwarming and surprising facts about Christmas, as we celebrate the spirit of togetherness and goodwill that defines this magical season.

1. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th.

2. The date was chosen to coincide with the Roman festival of Saturnalia.

3. The word "Christmas" comes from the Old English phrase "Cristes Maesse,"  

      meaning Christ's mass.

4. The tradition of Christmas trees originated in Germany in the 16th century.

5. The first recorded Christmas card was sent in 1843 in England.

6. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created by Montgomery Ward in 1939.

7. Santa Claus is based on St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Turkish bishop.

8. Coca-Cola's 1930s ad campaign helped popularize the modern image of  

     Santa.

9. Mistletoe is a symbol of love and friendship in Christmas traditions.

10. The world's tallest Christmas tree was erected in 1950 in Seattle, standing

        at 221 feet.

11. In Ukraine, it's common to decorate Christmas trees with spider webs for

         good luck.

12. The custom of hanging stockings comes from the Dutch legend of St.       

         Nicholas.

13. Christmas is widely celebrated even in non-Christian countries as a cultural

        festival.

14. In Japan, KFC is a popular Christmas dinner, thanks to a successful

        marketing campaign.

15. The song "Jingle Bells" was originally written for Thanksgiving, not

        Christmas.

16. The tradition of Christmas stockings comes from the story of St. Nicholas

        and three poor sisters.

17. The world's largest snowman, built in 2008 in Bethel, Maine, was 122 feet

         tall.

18. The first artificial Christmas tree was made in Germany using dyed goose      

       feathers.

19. The tradition of Christmas presents has its roots in the gifts brought by the

        Magi to the baby Jesus.

20. The concept of a white Christmas comes from the popularity of snow in     

       Christmas imagery.

21. The world's largest gingerbread house, built in 2013, measured 21 feet high.

22. The official Christmas tree tradition at Rockefeller Center began in 1933.

23. The tradition of caroling dates back to medieval England.

24. The first recorded Christmas in America was in 1621 at the Plymouth

        Colony.