10 Crazy Christmas Facts

Christmas is just around the corner and we are all busy with shopping, buying gifts decorations etc. So, here is something interesting to discuss around the dinner table this time. Here are 10 crazy Christmas facts that can make you look smart in front of your relatives.

#1. Santa Claus originated in a newspaper ad

Even though he is pretty old, Santa Claus isn’t all that ancient. The first time he appeared recognizable to people was in a newspaper advertisement for toys and ‘gift book’s in the 19th century.

#2. 25th December was a pagan festival

The actual birthdate of Jesus of Nazareth is unknown and so nobody celebrated his birthday for 100 of years. But later, 25th December was taken from the pagan rites related to the winter solstice.

#3. The Christmas tree

The older Christmas tree looked a lot different than today’s tree. Earlier, people used to decorate it with apples, dates and figs. It is only recently that we started using lights for Christmas decoration.

#4. The Reindeer

Ever thought of the names of Santa’s reindeer? They are named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Blitzen and Donner. The first time their names were used was in a poem from the 1823 titled ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’. Also, since all of them have antlers, we think they are female reindeers as male reindeer tend to shed their antlers during winters.