5,99 €
Mehr erfahren.
- Herausgeber: Bellanova Books
- Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
- Serie: Christmas Fun Facts
- Sprache: Englisch
Sprinkle Some Festive Cheer on Your Trivia Game!
Deck the halls with... facts? Absolutely! Jenny Kellett, the queen of trivia, is back with the Christmas edition of her bestselling "The HUGE Book of Amazing Facts & Interesting Stuff."
Packed fuller than a Christmas stocking, this edition features over 700 festive trivia facts that will jingle all the way into your brain. Bursting with the kind of humor that could rival any Christmas cracker joke, this collection is perfect for spreading holiday cheer to the whole family.
Sneak a Peek Under the Tree
• According to Statistics Canada, 3.5 million fruitcakes are sold annually in the country. Whether they are eaten or not remains a mystery.
• The U.S. was fashionably late to the Christmas party, only making it a federal holiday in 1870.
• Male reindeer shed their antlers in early December, while females keep theirs through the winter. So, technically, Rudolph would likely be female!
• Irving Berlin, who penned “White Christmas,” was Jewish.
Facts All Wrapped Up in Categories
From "Christmas Around the World" to "The Economics of Christmas," there's a chapter for everyone—even your awkward uncle.
Perfect for Yuletide Fun
Whether you’re young or just young at heart, this is the ideal read for family gatherings by the fireplace.
Amp up the holiday vibes and impress the in-laws or that one cousin who thinks they know everything. It’s the season of giving, after all. Why not gift some festive knowledge with the most up-to-date Christmas trivia book around?
Order your copy today and get ready to sleigh your next holiday trivia game!
Das E-Book können Sie in Legimi-Apps oder einer beliebigen App lesen, die das folgende Format unterstützen:
Seitenzahl: 138
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023
Ähnliche
The HUGE Book of Amazing Facts & Interesting Stuff: Christmas Edition
The Huge Book of Amazing Facts & Interesting Stuff: Christmas Edition
www.bellanovabooks.com
Copyright © 2024 by Jenny Kellett
Imprint: Bellanova Books
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval without permission in writing from the author.
Welcome to The HUGE Book of Amazing Facts and Interesting Stuff: Christmas Edition!
Ho, ho, ho! We’re excited to bring you our second Christmas Edition! We’ve made our list (and checked it twice, of course!), and packed this edition with all the festive fun and fascinating facts you could hope for.
A lot has happened over the past few years, and as 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to get into the festive spirit. We have dug deep into the depths of the internet to find some truly amazing, sometimes unbelievable Christmas facts from around the world that are perfect for sharing around your next Christmas party.
So, put on your favorite (ugly) Christmas sweater, make yourself a hot drink and get ready to dig into some festive fun.
And of course, if you want even more facts, don’t forget to check out our annual The Huge Book of Amazing Facts & Interesting Stuff, which is now already on its 10th edition!
Have a wonderful Christmas and let’s get started.
—Jenny
The History of Christmas
Let’s travel back in time!
Christmas is rich with traditions, stories, and customs from across the globe—each culture with its own special nuances. But where did it all start? How did a simple mid-winter celebration turn into the dazzling display of lights, carol singing, and gift-giving we know today?
From ancient pagan rituals to the first Christmas trees of the Victorian era, let’s explore the journey of how Christmas became what it is now.
The term “Christmas” derives from the Old English phrase “Cristes Maesse,” which means “Christ’s Mass.” Over time, “Cristes Maesse” evolved into the modern English term “Christmas.” Or was it to save ink on Christmas cards? We’ll never know.
***
Jesus was born on December 25th—allegedly. The Bible never specified a date. Despite the absence of a divine birth certificate, the date stuck.
***
Early Christians didn’t originally celebrate Jesus’ birth, but as the faith spread in Rome, they began to commemorate it during the same time as Saturnalia, Rome’s winter fest known for gift-giving and parties.And the Romans sure knew how to throw a toga party!
***
Sol Invictus, another Roman festival, also fell on December 25th. Because why have one party when you can have two?
***
The year 336 AD saw the first “official” Christmas, thanks to Emperor Constantine. He made it cool to celebrate.
***
Emperor Constantine also made Christianity the “it” religion in Rome. In 313 AD, he issued the Edict of Milan, which granted religious tolerance to Christians. He did not, however, make Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire; that honor goes to Emperor Theodosius I in 380 AD. Move over, paganism!
***
The U.S. was fashionably late to the Christmas party, only making it a federal holiday in 1870.
***
“Silent Night” had its world premiere in 1818 in Austria. Now, it’s the soundtrack to awkward family dinners worldwide.
***
The first-ever Christmas card was created in 1843. It’s been downhill since, with e-cards and GIFs taking over.
***
The Puritans banned Christmas from 1659 to 1681. Somebody needed to lighten up, huh?
***
Post-Revolution Russia gave Christmas the cold shoulder until 1992. Although it wasn’t officially banned, public celebrations were frowned upon. That’s a long time without tinsel.
***
The Twelve Days of Christmas: not just a catchy song but a legit season. The “Twelve Days of Christmas” represents the time between Christmas Day and the Epiphany (January 6th) in many Christian traditions. No word on whether the five golden rings are 24 karat, though.
***
A boar’s head was the Christmas meal of choice in Medieval England. At least they didn’t have to worry about overcooking a turkey.
***
Before beards and hipster vibes were cool, ‘Sinterklaas,’ the OG Dutch Santa, was rocking the look. Influencing our modern Santa Claus, he was the trendsetter you probably didn’t know about! Americans morphed “Sinterklaas” into “Santa Claus.” New country, new brand.
***
Germans started the indoor Christmas tree trend in the 16th century. You can thank them for pine needles in your living room.
***
Legend has it that Martin Luther was the first to bling out a Christmas tree with candles. Inspired by a starry night or just setting 16th-century trends? Either way, someone pass the fire extinguisher!
***
Oliver Cromwell tried to hit the “mute” button on Christmas in 1647. Spoiler: England wasn’t having it. King Charles II hit “unmute” on Christmas in England in 1660. Queue the festive comeback!
***
In early America, Christmas was the underdog holiday. Easter had all the glory.
***
The Christmas Truce of 1914 saw soldiers from opposing sides playing soccer and sharing food. Turns out, holiday cheer is contagious, even in trenches.
***
Irving Berlin, who penned “White Christmas,” was Jewish. He wrote a Christmas classic but never had to fuss with tinsel or mistletoe.
***
The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7 due to the use of the Julian calendar.
***
Franklin Pierce, 14th President of the U.S., was the first to put up an official White House Christmas tree in 1856. Imagine being the Secret Service agents tasked with ornament duty.
***
Coca-Cola popularized the modern image of Santa Claus in the 1930s, dressing him in their corporate colors. Best marketing gig ever?
***
In 1882, Edward Johnson, a colleague of Thomas Edison, was the first to string electric lights on a Christmas tree. Edison: “Why didn’t I think of that?”
***
Washington Irving, author of “Sleepy Hollow,” penned “The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.” which popularized Christmas traditions in America. In 350 AD, it is believed Pope Julius I declared December 25 as the official date of Christmas. Because when the Pope sets a calendar invite, you don’t decline.
***
Kwanzaa, established in 1966, sometimes coincides with Christmas but serves to celebrate African heritage. It’s like the new kid on the holiday block.
***
The 1968 Christmas Eve space broadcast had astronauts reading from the Book of Genesis. Nothing says Christmas like a holiday greeting from space!
***
“O Holy Night” was the second piece of music ever broadcast on radio in 1906. Before Spotify, that was peak tech!
***
The iconic red suit of Santa Claus was popularized by Thomas Nast, a 19th-century political cartoonist. Who says fashion can’t be political?
***
In 1912, New York City’s first public Christmas tree lit up Madison Square Park. At 60 feet tall, it was basically the skyscraper of trees!
***
Advent, the period of preparation for Christmas, starts on November 30 or December 1, depending on the calendar you follow. As if you needed an excuse to start celebrating early.
***
Some believe the tradition of hanging stockings comes from a Dutch legend involving St. Nicholas and three impoverished sisters. The original Cinderella story, but with less glass—more wooly socks.
***
Eggnog has its roots in medieval Europe, inspired by various creamy alcoholic beverages, including the English “posset.” Fast forward, and today’s “eggnog” might be easier on the tongue, especially after a glass or two.
***
In Mexico, Christmas is celebrated from December 12 to January 6. Talk about a marathon, not a sprint.
***
The most expensively decorated Christmas tree was worth around $11 million and was displayed in Marbella, Spain, in 2018. It was probably too precious to put presents under.
***
The concept of “boxing” up goods for the poor led to the creation of Boxing Day on December 26. It’s like the afterparty for do-gooders.
***
German settlers in Pennsylvania set up the first recorded instance of a Christmas tree in the United States in 1816. The pioneers were also the first to introduce holiday decor.
***
The poinsettia plant, native to Mexico, is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, who introduced it in America in the 1820s. How do you say “Merry Christmas” in botanical?
***
Norway gifts London with a Christmas tree each year as a thank-you for British support during WWII. Nothing says “thank you” like a 20-meter spruce!
***
The tradition of Christmas markets dates back to the Late Middle Ages in German-speaking Europe. Talk about a centuries-old shopping spree.
***
The first Salvation Army Christmas kettle appeared in San Francisco in 1891 to feed the needy.
***
The first evidence of a Christmas feast dates back to 1213, orchestrated by King John of England. The menu? Wine and mutton, of course!
***
According to data from 2015, Christmas is responsible for nearly 30% of annual jewelry sales. That’s a lot of sparkly Christmas mornings!
***
In Japan, eating KFC on Christmas Eve is a beloved tradition, thanks to a successful marketing campaign in the 1970s. Finger-lickin’ festive, wouldn’t you say?
***
The largest-ever gathering of Santa Clauses involved 18,112 participants and took place in Kerala, India, in 2014. SantaCon, eat your heart out.
***
The candy cane is believed to date back to 1670 in Germany and was created to keep children quiet in church. An ancient “mute” button, if you will.
***
The longest-running Christmas TV special is “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” first airing in 1964. Never underestimate the staying power of a reindeer with a glowing nose.
***
The Nutcracker ballet premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892 and was initially deemed a failure. But now, it pirouettes into our hearts every holiday season.
***
According to Guinness World Records, the tallest cut Christmas tree was a 221-foot Douglas fir displayed in 1950 at the Northgate Shopping Center in Seattle. You’d need a ladder for those top ornaments!
***
The custom of kissing under mistletoe comes from ancient Norse mythology. Even the gods needed a little help with their love lives.
***
The first known use of the word “eggnog” was in 1775. It’s unclear when the first eggnog hangover was recorded.
***
The world’s largest Christmas stocking, according to Guinness World Records, was 168 feet long and 70 feet wide, created in Tuscany, Italy in 2011. Imagine the size of the fireplace!
***
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey finally hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart 25 years after its release in 2019. A slow burn, but a hot one.
***
In the Philippines, the Christmas season starts in September and ends in January. They win the award for longest holiday season!
***
According to Statistics Canada, 3.5 million fruitcakes are sold annually in the country. Whether they are eaten or not remains a mystery.
***
In 1965, astronauts aboard the Gemini 6 spacecraft played “Jingle Bells” on a harmonica and bells, marking the first musical performance in space. Houston, we have a carol.
***
Each year, roughly 33 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States. That’s a lot of pine-scented air fresheners.
***
During WWII, for a unique Christmas gift, the U.S. Playing Card Company crafted decks for POWs that, when soaked, showed escape maps out of Germany. What’s better than the gift of freedom for the holidays?
Sources
“Christmas.” 2023. Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. September 26. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christmas.
“Saturnalia: Meaning, Festival & Christmas - HISTORY.” 2023. History.Com. A&E Television Networks. Accessed September 27. https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-rome/saturnalia.
“Why Is Christmas in December?” 2023. Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Accessed September 27. https://www.britannica.com/story/why-is-christmas-in-december
Waxman, Olivia B. 2016. “Christmas: Surprising Story of the Holiday in America.” Time. Time. December 23. https://time.com/4608452/christmas-america-national-holiday/.
“Silent Night.” 2023. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. September 21. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_Night.
“The First Christmas Card.” 2023. The Postal Museum. https://www.postalmuseum.org/collections/first-christmas-card.
“When Massachusetts Banned Christmas.” 2023. History.Com. A&E Television Networks. Accessed September 27. https://www.history.com/news/when-massachusetts-banned-christmas.
“Christmas in Russia.” 2023. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. September 24. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_in_Russia.
“Boar’s Head Festival.” 2023. Concordia University Ann Arbor. Accessed September 27. https://www.cuaa.edu/life/kreft-arts/boars-head.html.
“Sinterklaas.” 2023. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. September 24. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas.
“History of Christmas Trees - Symbolism, Traditions & Trivia.” 2023. History.Com. A&E Television Networks. Accessed September 27. https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas-trees.
Foundation, Arbor Day. 2022. “History of the Christmas Tree.” Arbor Day Blog. March 16. https://arbordayblog.org/holiday/history-of-the-christmas-tree/.
“Did Oliver Cromwell Really Ban Christmas?” 2023. Historic England. Accessed September 27. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/what-is-designation/heritage-highlights/did-oliver-cromwell-really-ban-christmas/.
“The Three Kings: Why Spain Celebrates a Second Christmas with the Reyes Magos on January 6.” 2023. ! ! Murcia Today - The Three Kings: Why Spain Celebrates A Second Christmas With The Reyes Magos On January 6. Accessed September 27. https://murciatoday.com/the_three_kings_why_spain_celebrates_a_second_christmas_with_the_reyes_magos_on_january_6_1962011-a.html.
Burton, Tara Isabella. 2018. “Why Easter Never Became a Big Secular Holiday like Christmas.” Vox. March 29. https://www.vox.com/2018/3/29/17168804/why-easter-celebrate-big-secular-holiday-like-christmas-bunny-egg-pagan.
“The Success Story of Irving Berlin.” 2023. Red Star Line Museum. Accessed September 27. https://redstarline.be/en/story/success-story-irving-berlin.
Cillizza, Chris. 2021. “You Can Thank Franklin Pierce for the White House Christmas Tree.” The Washington Post. WP Company. November 25. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/11/10/you-can-thank-franklin-pierce-for-the-white-house-christmas-tree/.
“Who Invented Electric Christmas Lights?” 2023. The Library of Congress. Accessed September 27. https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/technology/item/who-invented-electric-christmas-lights/#:~:text=Edward%20H.,them%20around%20his%20Christmas%20tree.
“The Sketch Book.” 2023. Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Accessed September 27. https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Sketch-Book.
The Editor: Italy On This Day. 1970. Pope Julius I. https://www.italyonthisday.com/2020/04/pope-julius-i-Christmas-December-25.html.
“Kwanzaa.” 2023. Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. August 8. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kwanzaa.
Jones, Meg. 2018. “50 Years Ago, Apollo 8 Astronauts Orbited the Moon and United a Troubled Earth.” Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. December 23. https://eu.jsonline.com/story/news/2018/12/21/50-years-ago-apollo-8-astronauts-saved-1968-genesis-reading/2301420002/.
Ambrosino, Brandon. 2014. “The X in Xmas Literally Means Christ. Here’s the History behind It.” Vox. Vox. December 14. https://www.vox.com/2014/12/14/7374401/jesus-xmas-christmas.
Fung, Brian. 2021. “Merry Christmas! 107 Years Ago Tonight, Americans Heard the World’s First Radio Show.” The Washington Post. WP Company. December 6. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2013/12/24/merry-christmas-107-years-ago-tonight-americans-heard-the-worlds-first-ever-radio-show/.
Magazine, Smithsonian. 2018. “A Civil War Cartoonist Created the Modern Image of Santa Claus as Union Propaganda.” Smithsonian.Com. Smithsonian Institution. December 19. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/civil-war-cartoonist-created-modern-image-santa-claus-union-propaganda-180971074/.
“Holiday Tree.” 2021. Madison Square Park Conservancy. April 2. https://madisonsquarepark.org/community/news/2021/04/holiday-tree/.
Sockshop. 2023. “The Legend of Christmas Stockings.” The Legend of Christmas Stockings | The SockShop Blog. Accessed September 27. https://www.sockshop.co.uk/blog/posts/december-2015/the-legend-of-christmas-stockings.
Pupovac, Jessica. 2013. “Writing ‘Rudolph’: The Original Red-Nosed Manuscript.” NPR. NPR. December 25. https://www.npr.org/2013/12/25/256579598/writing-rudolph-the-original-red-nosed-manuscript.
“Red Crab Migration.” 2023. Australian Government. Accessed September 27. https://parksaustralia.gov.au/christmas/discover/highlights/red-crab-migration/.
Knight, Rebecca. 2019. “Is This the Most Expensive Christmas Tree in the World? It Cost £12 Million and Is Dripping in Diamonds.” Ideal Home. Ideal Home. December 9. https://www.idealhome.co.uk/news/most-expensive-christmas-tree-239460.
“Ethiopian Christmas.” 2023. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. April 30. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopian_Christmas.
“Boxing Day.” 2023. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. September 14. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_Day.
“Extension Educationin Bexar County.” 2023. Urban Program Bexar County. Accessed September 27. https://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/homehort/archives-of-weekly-articles-davids-plant-of-the-week/a-little-bit-of-history-about-christmas-trees.
“Joel Roberts Poinsett.” 2023. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. March 3. https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Roberts_Poinsett.
“The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree Is a Gift from Norway.” 2023. Visit Norway. Accessed September 27. https://www.visitnorway.com/typically-norwegian/christmas/the-trafalgar-square-christmas-tree/.
Magazine, Smithsonian. 2022. “A Brief History of Christmas Markets.” Smithsonian.Com. Smithsonian Institution. December 19. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-christmas-markets-180981308.
“Krampus.” 2023. Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. September 8. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Krampus.
“Red Kettles: The Salvation Army USA.” 2023. Red Kettles | The Salvation Army USA. Accessed September 27. https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/red-kettle-history/.
Alhays. 2019. The Trident. November 12. https://sites.owu.edu/trident/2017/11/04/holiday-traditions-in-the-middle-ages-by-christopher-shanley/.
Springer, Kate. 2022. “How KFC Became a Christmas Tradition in Japan.” CNN. Cable News Network. December 22. https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/kfc-christmas-tradition-japan/index.html.
Service, Indo-Asian News. 2014. “18,112 Santa Clauses Set Guinness Record in Kerala.” NDTV.Com. December 27. https://www.ndtv.com/south/18-112-santa-clauses-set-guinness-record-in-kerala-7189530.
“Who Invented Candy Canes?” 2023. History.Com. A&E Television Networks. Accessed September 27. https://www.history.com/news/candy-canes-invented-germany.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (TV Special).” 2023. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. September 11. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolph_the_Red-Nosed_Reindeer_(TV_special).
“Charles Dickens Partied HARD after Finishing A Christmas Carol in Just Six Weeks.” 2022. Literary Hub. December 19. https://lithub.com/charles-dickens-partied-hard-after-finishing-a-christmas-carol-in-just-six-weeks/.
“The Nutcracker.” 2023. Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. August 9. https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Nutcracker.
“Tallest Christmas Tree.” 2023. Guinness World Records. Accessed September 27. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/77271-tallest-christmas-tree.
Moon, Kat. 2018. “Why We Kiss Under the Mistletoe During Christmas.” Time. Time. December 13. https://time.com/5471873/mistletoe-kiss-christmas/.
“Why Is It Called Eggnog? There’s Some History Behind the Term.” 2023. YourDictionary. YOURDICTIONARY. Accessed September 27. https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/eggnog-history.
“Largest Christmas Stocking.” 2023. Guinness World Records. Accessed September 27. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-christmas-stocking.
Simons, Jordan. 2023. “The Philippines Starts Christmas in September.” Travel Continuously. August 8. https://travelcontinuously.com/the-philippines-starts-christmas-in-september.
Brown, Dalvin. 2018. “Real vs. Fake Christmas Trees: Here’s Why Some Americans Are Shifting Their Buying Habits.” USA Today. Gannett Satellite Information Network. December 18. https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/12/14/real-vs-fake-heres-why-artificial-christmas-trees-rise/2314418002/.
“Stacking the Deck: Escape Cards of World War II (U.S. National Park Service).” 2023. National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior. Accessed September 27. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/stacking-the-deck-escape-cards-of-world-war-ii.htm.
