Christmas wasn’t always celebrated on 25th December
The birth of Jesus is celebrated on December 25, but there is no mention of this day in the Bible. Historians think it might be in spring and the date was picked to align with the pagan festival Saturnalia, merging festivities and gift-giving.
Coca-Cola gave Santa a makeover
Santa looked spooky until Coca-Cola's 1931 ad campaign by the artist Haddon Sundblom. The jolly, rosy-cheeked Santa we know today emerged, replacing the scarier versions from before.
Hanging stockings started by accident
Santa looked spooky until Coca-Cola's 1931 ad campaign by the artist Haddon Sundblom. The jolly, rosy-cheeked Santa we know today emerged, replacing the scarier versions from before.
"Jingle Bells" was originally a Thanksgiving song
Originally a Thanksgiving tune named "One Horse Open Sleigh," it transformed into the familiar "Jingle Bells." James Lord Pierpont composed it for a church concert in the 19th century.
Candy canes were invented in Germany
Originating in 1670 Germany, candy canes were initially given to children during lengthy church services. Their popularity rose in 1847 when a German-Swedish immigrant adorned his tree with these iconic red-and-white treats. Today, they come in various colours and flavours.