Yuletide Trivia and Fun Christmas Facts

Did you know?

* Modern day astronomers say that the famous Star of Bethlehem wasn't a star at all. More than likely, it was either a comet or an astronomical phenomenon caused by the conjunction of several planets at once. (that still makes it a "Star of Wonder" in my book!)

* According to historical records, the first American Christmas festivities took place in Jamestown in 1607. The celebration was meant to cheer up the forty settlers who had survived living in the New World. (The original number was one hundred)

* Because the British Parliament felt that Christmas was a heathen holiday, they officially abolished all related festivities in 1643.

* Alabama was the first state to give Christmas the status of a legal holiday, while Oklahoma was the last state to do so. They didn't declare Christmas a legal holiday until 1907.

* Donder, (not Donner), which means thunder, was the original name of the reindeer who helped pull Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve. He was paired with Blitzen, whose name means lightning.

* The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was written as an advertising and promotional give-away for the Montgomery Ward Company in 1939 by one of its employees, Robert L. May. The little book was given away free to every customer who shopped there during the holiday season.

* The candy cane first gained popularity in churches, where it was given as a treat to children who behaved themselves during services.

* Gingerbread houses became popular holiday gifts during the nineteenth century after The Brothers Grimm released the story of Hansel and Grethel.

* St. Francis of Assisi was the first to introduce the singing of Christmas carols during holiday church services.

* The first American Christmas carol - a song named "Jesus Is Born" - was written by Reverend John de Brebeur in 1649.

* Irving Berlin wrote the popular carol "I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas" in 1942 for the movie Holiday Inn starring Bing Crosby.

* Two years after World War II ended, the people of Oslo, Norway sent a holiday tree to the city of Westminster in appreciation of British support. This tradition continues today.

* Along the shores of the Mississippi River - especially along the Louisiana coastline - bonfires are lit on Christmas Eve to light the way for Father Christmas.

* The image of Santa as we know it today was popularized by none other than the Coca-Cola Company in their Christmas ad campaign.

* The custom of Santa eating cookies on Christmas Eve originated in Germany where trees were decorated with fruit, flowers and sweets. After leaving gifts for good children, Santa would help himself the some goodies from the tree.

* Santa's fur-trimmed suit, his cap, and his cloak were fashioned after the clothing ot the Dutch Saint Nicholas, who wore a bishop's mitre and vestments.

* Santa isn't done when Christmas is over. As St. Nicholas, he is also the patron saint responsible for Greece, Russia, sailors, merchants, pawnbrokers, bakers, prisoners, children, and wolves - tasks that keep him busy all year!