What better way to liven up your next Christmas gathering than by sharing these fun X-mas-related facts?
Q: Who came up with the idea of Christmas trees?
A: The tradition of bringing decorated trees inside the house for Christmas began in Germany in the 16th century. Queen Victoria’s husband Albert brought the tradition to England. Early German settlers in Pennsylvania brought the tradition to the United States.
Q: How long have Christmas trees been sold commercially?
A: The practice of selling Christmas trees began in 1850 in the United States. Up until that time Christmas revelers had to find a nearby forest.
Q: Which states produce the most Christmas trees?
A: Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, and Pennsylvania produce the most trees annually.
Q: How long does it take to grow a Christmas tree?
A: It takes 7-10 years for a Christmas tree to mature fully.
Q: Where did the real St. Nicholas live?
A: Legend has it that the real St. Nicholas-- known as Santa Claus in many cultures-- lived in Turkey around 280 A.D. The legend states that St. Nicholas traveled about giving away his inherited wealth to those in need.
Q: When was Santa Claus married?
A: The legend of Santa Claus did not include a Mrs. Claus until 1889. She first appeared in Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride by poet Katherine Lee Bates. Apparently, the Mrs. got tired of being left alone at the North Pole every Christmas Eve and wanted to go with her hubby to deliver presents. The story’s exciting climax occurs when Mrs. Claus mends a stocking for Santa, saving Christmas for a very fortunate family.
Q: When did eggnog become an American holiday tradition?
A: It didn’t take long for the settlers at Jamestown, Virginia-- the first permanent American settlement- -to find a way to incorporate alcohol into Christmas. Nog refers to any drink involving rum. (Why they chose to mix it with eggs is unknown.)
Q: Who wrote "The Night Before Christmas?"
A: Everyone knows Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, but few know that Clement Moore wrote "The Night Before Christmas."
Q: Who was the crippled boy’s name in A Christmas Carol?
A: Dickens thought about naming him Little Larry, Puny Pete, and Small Sam before settling on Tiny Tim.
Q: Where would you find Christmas Island?
A: If you said the Arctic Ocean near the North Pole, you’d be wrong. Christmas Island is located in the Indian Ocean.
Q: What is the angel’s name in It’s a Wonderful Life?
A: The angel’s name is Clarence, who earned his wings and helped It’s a Wonderful Life become the most-watched Christmas movie of all time.
Q: The Nutcracker is the most popular Christmas ballet of all time. In what country is it set?
A: The Nutcracker, written by a Russian, is set in Germany.
Q: Who came up with the idea of electric lights on a Christmas tree?
A: Edward Johnson, an assistant to Thomas Edison, came up with the idea in 1882. Christmas lights became mass-produced in 1901 by Edison Electric.
Q: Who was the first president to have a tree in the White House?
A: Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the United States, housed the first Christmas tree in the White House.
Q: Which U.S. president banned Christmas trees in the White House?
A: Teddy Roosevelt banned Christmas trees in the White House for environmental reasons.
Q: When is National Candy Cane day?
A: National Candy Cane Day is December 26.
