Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, filled with joy, traditions, and intriguing history. Here are 55 fun Christmas facts you may not know, perfect for sharing at your next holiday
1. Christmas Trees Originated in Germany
The decorating of Christmas trees began in Germany during the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.
2. The First Christmas Card Was Sent in 1843
The first-ever Christmas card was designed by Sir Henry Cole in London, making it a cherished tradition.
3. Santa’s Red Suit Wasn’t Always Red
Before Coca-Cola popularized Santa’s red suit in the 1930s, he was often depicted in blue, green, or even brown.
4. The World’s Tallest Christmas Tree Was 221 Feet Tall
This record-breaking tree was displayed in Seattle, Washington, in 1950.
5. Rudolph Was Created as a Marketing Gimmick
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was invented in 1939 by Robert L. May for Montgomery Ward’s holiday coloring books.
6. Jingle Bells Was Originally a Thanksgiving Song
Composed by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, “Jingle Bells” was initially meant to celebrate Thanksgiving.
7. The Largest Snowman Ever Built Was 122 Feet Tall
Built in Bethel, Maine, in 2008 this snowman was named Olympia.
8. “Xmas” Is Not Sacrilegious
The “X” in “Xmas” comes from the Greek letter Chi, the first letter in the Greek word for Christ.
9. Norway Provides London’s Christmas Tree
Every year since 1947, Norway has gifted a Christmas tree to London as a token of gratitude for Britain’s support during World War II.
10. Americans Spend Billions on Christmas
U.S. holiday spending in 2023 exceeded $1 trillion, making it one of the biggest shopping seasons globally.
Fun Food and Drink Christmas Facts
11. Eggnog Dates Back to Medieval Times
Eggnog originated from “posset,” a medieval European drink made with hot milk and wine.
12. Candy Canes Have Religious Roots
The candy cane was initially designed to resemble a shepherd’s crook, symbolizing Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
13. Fruitcake Dates Back to Ancient Rome
This traditional holiday treat was first made with pomegranate seeds, nuts, and raisins.
14. The Largest Gingerbread House Covered 2,520 Square Feet
Built in Texas in 2013, this house required a whopping 39,000 pounds of sugar.
15. The First Christmas Dinner Was Likely Simple
Early Christmas meals included items like porridge and dried fruits, which are far from today’s feasts.
Weird and Wonderful Christmas Traditions
16. Krampus Is Santa’s Dark Companion
In Austrian folklore, Krampus punishes naughty children while Santa rewards the good ones.
17. Japan Celebrates Christmas with KFC
Eating Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas is a popular tradition in Japan, thanks to a clever 1974 ad campaign.
18. Iceland’s Yule Cat Hunts for the Lazy
Legend says that the Yule Cat will eat those who don’t receive new clothes by Christmas Eve.
19. Spider Webs Are Good Luck in Ukraine
Ukrainians decorate their trees with spider web ornaments, symbolizing good fortune.
20. Australians Have Summer Christmas Barbecues
In Australia, Christmas falls during summer, so many celebrate with outdoor barbecues.
Historical and Global Christmas Facts
21. Christmas Was Banned in England
In the 17th century, Puritans banned Christmas celebrations, considering them too extravagant.
22. Christmas Is Celebrated on Different Dates
While most celebrate on December 25, some Orthodox Christians mark it on January 7.
23. The First U.S. State to Recognize Christmas Was Alabama
In 1836, Alabama became the first state to make Christmas an official holiday.
24. The Largest Christmas Stocking Measured 168 Feet
This record was set in Italy in 2011.
25. The First Rockefeller Center Tree Was in 1931
The famous tree in New York City began as a humble decoration by construction workers.
Fun Christmas Movie Facts
26. Home Alone Is the Highest-Grossing Christmas Movie
This classic film has earned over $476 million worldwide.
27. Elf’s Famous Burp Scene Took 12 Seconds
Will Ferrell’s character delivers an epic burp, enhanced with sound effects from a real-life belcher.
28. The Polar Express Featured Groundbreaking Animation
This movie was one of the first to use motion capture technology for animation.
29. It’s a Wonderful Life Was a Box Office Flop
This beloved film gained its popularity only after frequent TV airings.
30. A Christmas Story’s Leg Lamp Became an Icon
The quirky leg lamp in A Christmas Story is now a popular holiday decoration.
Music and Entertainment Christmas Facts
31. Mariah Carey Earns Millions Every Christmas
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” generates about $2.5 million annually in royalties.
32. The First Christmas Song Was Written in 336 AD
“Jesus Refulsit Omnium” is believed to be the first recorded Christmas hymn.
33. White Christmas Is the Best-Selling Song Ever
Bing Crosby’s rendition has sold over 50 million copies.
34. Silent Night Was Composed in a Hurry
This timeless melody was written and performed in just hours for a Christmas Eve service in 1818.
35. Radio Stations Switch to Christmas Music Early
Many stations begin playing Christmas music as early as November.
Unusual Christmas Records
36. The Largest Advent Calendar Was Over 230 Feet
Built in Germany, this giant calendar holds the Guinness World Record.
37. The Most Expensive Christmas Tree Was $15 Million.
This luxury tree in Spain was adorned with diamonds and gold.
38. The Fastest Time to Decorate a Tree Is 36.89 Seconds
This record was achieved in the U.K. in 2018.
39. The Longest Christmas Stocking Chain Had 16,000 Stockings
Created in Italy, it stretched over 5 miles.
40. The Most Lights on a Home Is Over 600,000
A family in New York set this record in 2022.
Modern-Day Christmas Fun Facts
41. The Elf on the Shelf Has Sold Millions
This modern Christmas tradition started with a 2005 book and toy set.
42. Christmas Lights Use 6% of the World’s Energy.
Holiday lighting significantly contributes to global electricity consumption in December.
43. Amazon Ships Millions of Packages Each Day
The e-commerce giant delivers an astounding number of gifts during the holiday season.
44. The U.S. Postal Service Handles 16.5 Billion Cards
Every holiday season, the USPS processes an immense volume of Christmas mail.
45. Christmas Markets Are a Global Phenomenon
The largest is in Vienna, Austria, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Fun Facts About Christmas Symbols
46. Holly Was Once a Sacred Plant
The Druids considered holly to be a symbol of eternal life.
47. Mistletoe Has Ancient Origins
The use of mistletoe dates back to the Druids, who saw it as a symbol of fertility.
48. The Star on the Tree Represents the Star of Bethlehem
This tradition has biblical origins tied to the nativity story.
49. Reindeer Are Real!
Reindeer, also called caribou, are native to the Arctic and associated with Santa’s sleigh.
50. Christmas Bells Have Religious Significance
Bells are rung during Christmas services to announce the arrival of Christ.
51. Santa Has His Postcode in Canada
Letters addressed to Santa Claus, North Pole, H0H 0H0, will receive replies!
52. Christmas Wreaths Symbolize Eternity
Their circular shape represents eternal life.
53. Tinsel Was Originally Made of Silver
Invented in Germany, early tinsel was crafted from real silver.
54. Santa’s Sleigh Travels at Hypersonic Speeds
To deliver gifts worldwide, Santa must travel 650 miles per second!
55. The Grinch Is a Christmas Icon
Dr. Seuss’s green character first appeared in a 1957 book and remains a holiday favorite.
