Christmas is a time of joy, family, and endless eggnog. But did you know that some holiday traditions have downright hilarious or fascinating origins? We’ve gathered ten fun facts about Christmas that will make you chuckle, scratch your head, or delight your friends at holiday parties. Let’s dive into the holiday spirit and unwrap some Christmas trivia!
1. Rudolph Was Born From a Marketing Campaign
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer wasn’t always part of Santa’s sleigh team. In 1939, a department store called Montgomery Ward created him as part of a holiday promotion. A copywriter named Robert L. May wrote the story, and it became a hit. Imagine brainstorming reindeer with glowing noses and accidentally creating an icon!
2. The First Artificial Christmas Tree Was Feathery
Germany gets credit for the first artificial Christmas tree, but it wasn’t the plastic kind we know today. In the 19th century, people used dyed goose feathers to make trees. Yes, goose feathers! These feather trees were eco-friendly and kept forests intact—a win for the environment long before it became trendy.
3. Candy Canes Were a Church Hack
Back in the 1600s, a choirmaster in Germany invented candy
canes to keep kids quiet during Christmas church services. The original candies
were plain white and shaped like shepherd’s crooks. The red stripes and
peppermint flavor came much later, making today’s candy canes a sweet
evolution.
4. Jingle Bells Wasn’t a Christmas Song
"Jingle Bells" wasn’t originally written for
Christmas. The song, composed in 1857, was meant for Thanksgiving! It was
titled "One Horse Open Sleigh" and celebrated winter fun. Over time,
it slid its way into Christmas playlists, and now we can’t imagine the holidays
without it.
5. Santa’s Red Suit Came From Coca-Cola? Not Exactly
While Coca-Cola popularized the image of Santa in a red
suit, he wasn’t their invention. The modern Santa Claus look dates back to the
late 1800s, thanks to political cartoonist Thomas Nast. Coca-Cola simply gave
him a marketing boost in the 1930s, cementing his jolly, red-suited image.
6. The World’s Largest Snowman Was Gigantic
In 2008, residents of Bethel, Maine, built the world’s
largest snowman—or should we say snow-woman! Named Olympia Snowe, she stood 122
feet tall and even had eyelashes made of skis. Talk about going big for the
holidays!
7. Christmas Pickles Are a Thing
If you’ve ever heard of the Christmas pickle tradition, you’re not alone in scratching your head. Families hide a pickle-shaped ornament in the tree, and the first person to find it gets an extra gift or good luck for the year.
The origins of this quirky tradition are a bit of a mystery. Some say it started in Germany as "Weihnachtsgurke," but many Germans have never heard of it. Another story claims it began in the U.S. as a clever marketing tactic for glass ornaments. Regardless of how it started, it’s a fun way to spice up tree-decorating and add an extra layer of excitement to Christmas morning. Plus, the challenge of finding a green pickle among green branches! To make it even more entertaining, some families set rules, like the finder has to tell a funny joke or sing a Christmas carol before claiming their prize. Now that’s a tradition worth starting!
8. Why Do We Kiss Under Mistletoe?
Mistletoe, a plant with parasitic tendencies, doesn’t scream
romance. Yet, it became a symbol of love during the 18th century. People
believed it had magical powers to bring good luck and fertility, so kissing
under it became a fun (and slightly awkward) holiday tradition.
9. Japan Loves KFC for Christmas
In Japan, celebrating Christmas often means feasting on
Kentucky Fried Chicken. Thanks to a successful marketing campaign in the 1970s,
KFC became a holiday tradition. Families pre-order their "Christmas
buckets" weeks in advance to ensure they don’t miss out. Who needs turkey
when you have crispy fried chicken?
10. Christmas Lights Were Once a Fire Hazard
Wrapping It All Up
Christmas is full of quirky traditions, unexpected
histories, and a whole lot of fun. From Rudolph’s marketing origins to Japan’s
love for fried chicken, these facts remind us that the holidays are as unique
as they are magical. So, the next time you sip your eggnog or admire your tree,
share one of these fun facts and spread some holiday cheer!
Where to Learn More
History.com: Origins of Christmas Traditions
Smithsonian Magazine: Surprising Christmas Facts
Let’s keep the spirit of learning and laughter alive this season. Happy Holidays!
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