Christmas is a time of year when magic abounds. We all look forward to the lights, music, decorations, and being with friends and family.
Whether you observe Christmas for religious, familial, or simple fun reasons, it’s a holiday with an interesting history.
There are some truly wonderful stories and lesser-known facts that have contributed to making Christmas one of the most fascinating celebrations in the world.
Check out these 50 amazing facts about Christmas, and you’ll see the holiday in a whole new light!
50 Amazing Facts About Christmas
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The word “Christmas” is derived from “Christ’s Mass”
Christmas is actually short for “Christ’s Mass,” a term that comes from the Old English Cristes mæsse (“Christ’s Mass”). The term was first recorded in 1038. Related: 12 Cute Christmas Decor Ideas to Try In 2025 -
Christmas has not always been celebrated on December 25
The Bible never mentions the day Jesus was born, so December 25 was chosen later, most likely to coincide with Roman winter festivals. Related: 10 Christmas Songs For Kids To Perform -
Santa Claus is based on a real historical figure
Santa Claus is modeled after a 4th-century bishop named Nicholas from the town of Myra, in modern-day Turkey. He was known for his gift-giving to the poor. Related: 7 Cute Christmas Gifts For Coworkers -
“Jingle Bells” was not originally a Christmas song
The music for “Jingle Bells” was written in 1857, originally as a Thanksgiving song. Related: 8 Thoughtful Gifts to Ask for This Christmas -
The first artificial Christmas trees were made of goose feathers
In the 19th century, Germans sometimes had no access to trees for Christmas. Goose feathers were dyed green and bundled together to make small trees. Related: 5 Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Boyfriend -
Christmas trees have been used for millennia
Evergreen trees have symbolized life and rebirth for thousands of years. The modern Christmas tree tradition dates back to Germany in the 16th century. -
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was not Santa’s first reindeer
The creation of Rudolph, as we know him today, came not from Santa legend but from a promotional booklet by Montgomery Ward in 1939. -
Christmas was banned in England
At one point, Christmas was outlawed in England. In the 17th century, Puritans viewed the day as a pagan holiday and forbade its celebration. -
The Yule Log is a very ancient tradition
The Yule Log tradition has Norse origins. Families would burn an entire log in the fireplace to celebrate the winter solstice. -
The song “Silent Night” was originally performed in Austria
Franz Xaver Gruber composed the song in 1818, with lyrics by Joseph Mohr. As the church organ was broken, the original song was performed with a guitar. -
Christmas cards have not always been a thing
The idea of Christmas cards came from Sir Henry Cole in London. In 1843, he commissioned the first card to encourage the public to use the postal service. -
Poinsettias are actually Mexican flora
The Christmas plant Poinsettia is known as Flor de Nochebuena in Mexico and has symbolized purity and celebration for thousands of years. -
Writing “Xmas” is not sacrilegious
The letter “X” in “Xmas” is not blasphemous; it is the first letter in the Greek word Chi, which is the first letter in Christos, meaning Christ. -
Candy canes were created to keep children quiet in church
Original candy canes were white and shaped like a shepherd’s staff. Children were given them to encourage them to sit still and be quiet during long Christmas church services. -
Stockings are part of St. Nicholas folklore
Legend has it that St. Nicholas threw gold coins down the chimney, which fell into stockings that the residents had hung to dry. -
Christmas lights started out as real candles
Before electricity, families put real candles on their Christmas trees. They were beautiful but very dangerous. -
The first electric Christmas lights were made in 1882
In 1882, Edward H. Johnson strung 80 red, white, and blue bulbs on a Christmas tree. He was a colleague of Thomas Edison. -
Santa Claus flies a sleigh pulled by reindeer
Santa flying in his sleigh on Christmas Eve, pulled by reindeer, comes from the poem A Visit from St. Nicholas (1823), also known as ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. -
“White Christmas” is the best-selling single of all time
The best-selling single of all time is “White Christmas,” sung by Bing Crosby in 1942. It has sold over 50 million copies. -
Mistletoe represents peace and love
Mistletoe was considered sacred by the ancient Druids and used as a symbol of fertility and goodwill during winter celebrations. -
The biggest Christmas gift of all time is the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States, given on December 10, 1886. Talk about the Christmas gift of the century! -
Christmas is not on the same day everywhere
Most countries celebrate on December 25; however, Orthodox Christians often celebrate on January 7 because they use the Julian calendar. -
The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is massive
The first Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center was put up in 1931. It can reach over 75 feet in height and boasts thousands of lights. -
Gingerbread houses are a German tradition
Inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, the German tradition of gingerbread houses became popular in the 1800s. -
Eggnog has an interesting history
Eggnog began in medieval Britain as a drink for aristocrats, made with eggs, milk, and alcohol. -
Christmas markets have been around for centuries
The first documented Christmas market was in Dresden, Germany, in 1434. Christmas markets remain popular in Europe. -
“Deck the Halls” is very old indeed
The melody is of Welsh origin. The lyrics were later written in English in the 19th century. -
Santa’s modern image was created by Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola advertising in the 1930s popularized Santa Claus’ red suit, white beard, and jolly figure. -
Many animals have Christmas traditions
In Catalonia, Spain, there is a holiday tradition around a character named Caga Tió—a log that “defecates” presents for children. -
Christmas shopping is good for the economy
In the United States, the holiday season contributes 20–30% of total annual retail sales. -
Christmas hams are a tradition of European origin
Roasted hams are a very popular part of Christmas meals in Europe, as well as in countries like Germany and Scandinavia. -
Christmas caroling has pagan origins
Singing during the winter solstice was believed to dispel evil spirits and usher in good fortune for the New Year. -
The Twelve Days of Christmas don’t all refer to gifts
Historians believe the song’s gifts served as a memory verse for Catholics when practicing the religion was illegal. -
Real snow is not needed for a “White Christmas”
Since the song is based on nostalgia and emotion, real snow isn’t required to have a “White Christmas.” -
“Feliz Navidad” means “Merry Christmas” in Spanish
José Feliciano made this song a Christmas staple in 1970, and it remains an international holiday favorite. -
The Christmas pickle tradition is American
It is an ornament in the shape of a pickle that is hidden on the Christmas tree. The child who finds it is rewarded with an extra gift or good luck. -
Santa Claus is known by many names worldwide
From Sinterklaas in the Netherlands to Father Christmas in the U.K., Santa has many names throughout the world. -
Christmas foods are unique to each country
From panettone in Italy to bûche de Noël in France to Julbord in Sweden, these holiday meals and treats are delicious symbols of Christmas worldwide. -
The poinsettia flower is named after an American diplomat
Joel Roberts Poinsett brought this plant from Mexico to the U.S. in the 1820s. -
Christmas bells were used to ward off evil spirits
In medieval times, bells were rung around Christmas in churches and homes to keep evil spirits at bay. -
Christmas movies became popular in the 1900s
Movies such as It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street shaped much of the Christmas culture we enjoy today. -
Christmas is not all about presents
Christmas has also become a time for charity, volunteer work, and acts of kindness, emphasizing the spirit of giving. -
The Nutcracker ballet is a holiday tradition
This ballet was first performed in Russia in 1892 but only became a worldwide Christmas tradition in the 1900s. -
Christmas in Australia is not your typical Christmas
As it is summer during this time, Australians usually celebrate Christmas with barbecues, beaches, and outdoor fun. -
The Christmas wreath is a symbol of eternity
The circular shape of Christmas wreaths symbolizes the eternal nature of life and the seasons. -
Santa’s workshop has its own zip code
North Pole, Alaska’s zip code of 99705 is often used for letters to Santa. -
Christmas trains are a thing in many countries
In Europe and Asia, “Christmas trains” operate during the holiday season, providing special rides for families. -
Christmas crackers are a British tradition
The invention of these festive paper tubes filled with toys, jokes, and paper hats is credited to a London sweet maker named Tom Smith in the mid-1800s. -
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe started in England
It was believed that kissing under mistletoe would bring love, fertility, and good luck. -
Christmas continues to change and adapt
From its pagan beginnings to modern pop culture, Christmas has adapted to local customs and contemporary times throughout its long history.
From its humble, paganistic beginnings to the modern festivity we see today, Christmas has changed a lot over the years. People have always sought new ways to celebrate, creating fascinating and fun traditions around the world.
From food and gifts to songs and symbols, these 50 amazing facts about Christmas show that there is much more to the holiday story than meets the eye. Christmas is a time for family and love, and these traditions will continue to grow and evolve for years to come.
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