{"id":884704,"date":"2025-10-13T10:45:59","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T09:45:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=884704"},"modified":"2025-10-13T10:46:01","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T09:46:01","slug":"interesting-facts-about-chistmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/interesting-facts-about-chistmas\/","title":{"rendered":"25 interesting facts about Christmas that will surprise you"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Christmas is both the most wonderful time of the year <em>and<\/em> a time of quirky traditions built over centuries. From spiders in Ukraine to KFC buckets in Japan to clever marketing in the USA, the festive season looks different across the world. Whether you\u2019re a trivia buff or just a curious holiday enthusiast, we hope these intersting facts about Christmas jingle your bells \u2013 don&#8217;t forget to check our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-us\/ways-to-go\/christmas-festivals\">Trafalgar&#8217;s Christmas tours<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-jingle-bells-wasn-t-written-for-christmas-nbsp\">1. Jingle Bells wasn\u2019t written for Christmas&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the world\u2019s most famous Christmas carols wasn\u2019t even meant for December! \u201cJingle Bells\u201d was originally written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont as a Thanksgiving tune. The melody, called One Horse Open Sleigh, was meant to celebrate winter fun but it was catchy enough to infect Christmas playlists everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>READ NEXT: <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/christmas-songs-from-around-the-world\/\"><strong><em>The best Christmas songs from around the world<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-not-all-christians-celebrate-christmas-on-the-same-day\">2. Not all Christians celebrate Christmas on the same day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While much of the world marks Christmas on December 25 (or the night before, starting on Christmas Eve), not everyone\u2019s calendar matches. Many Orthodox Christians \u2013 including those in Russia, Ethiopia and Serbia \u2013 celebrate on January 7, following the Julian calendar. In Armenia, Christmas Day is January 6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-japan-eats-kfc-for-christmas-dinner\">3. Japan eats KFC for Christmas dinner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Forget turkey and trimmings \u2013 in Japan, Christmas dinner often comes in a red-and-white bucket. Since the 1970s, a wildly successful campaign by KFC turned fried chicken into an annual festive tradition. Today, millions of Japanese families pre-order their Christmas buckets weeks in advance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-iceland-has-13-santas\">4. Iceland has 13 Santas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Iceland has 13 merry mischief-makers known as the Yule Lads. These quirky characters visit children on the nights leading up to Christmas. Each Lad has a unique personality \u2013 from Door-Slammer to Spoon-Licker. Good kids find treats in their shoes, while naughty ones get potatoes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-christmas-markets-date-back-to-the-middle-ages\">5. Christmas markets date back to the Middle Ages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2022\/04\/tallinn-christmas-markets-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"A bustling christmas market in a town square at dusk, with illuminated stalls, a decorated tree, and historical buildings under a cloudy sky is one of the bucket list events for many travelers.\" class=\"wp-image-863877\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/tallinn-christmas-markets-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/tallinn-christmas-markets-330x186.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/tallinn-christmas-markets.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-us\/ways-to-go\/christmas-festivals\">Christmas markets<\/a> have been around for centuries! The oldest on record dates back to 1298 in Vienna, where townsfolk gathered for festive trading. By the 14th and 15th centuries, they spread across Germany, giving us today\u2019s enchanting <em>Weihnachtsm\u00e4rkte<\/em>. Seven centuries later, sipping gl\u00fchwein by fairy lights is still a European essential \u2013 and something you can do on one of Trafalgar&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-us\/ways-to-go\/christmas-festivals\">Christmas market tours and river cruises.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"tf__box horizontal tour-cta\" style=\"height:100%\" data-module-name=\"Trafalgar Unlocked Awards 2024\">\n    <div class=\"tf__box-hero\">\n        <div style=\"background: url(https:\/\/content1.travcorpservices.com\/media\/14358\/german-christmas-markets-guided-tour.jpg?width=1300&#038;height=1300&#038;mode=crop) no-repeat center center \/ cover;\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"tf__box_container\" style=\"background-color: #CFD3C4;\">\n        <div class=\"tf__box_title\" style=\"color: #4B6B35\">\n            <span class=\"tf__box_title-icon\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-suitcase\"><\/i><\/span>\n            <span class=\"tf__box_title-text\">Go on tour<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"tf__box_content\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/german-christmas-markets\" data-item-type=\"navigation\" data-item-name=\"View Trip\">\n            <p class=\"box-header\" style=\"max-width: none;\">German Christmas Markets<\/p>\n\t\t\t<br>\n            \n                <button class=\"tf__button\" style=\"background-color:#4B6B35\">View Trip<\/button>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-the-world-s-tallest-christmas-tree-was-in-seattle\">6. The world\u2019s tallest Christmas tree was in Seattle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most tree-mendously tall Christmas tree ever recorded was erected in 1950 at Seattle\u2019s Northgate Shopping Center. This massive Douglas fir stretched to a whopping 67 metres \u2013 taller than a 20-storey building. Imagine the size of the ornaments needed to deck those branches.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-the-statue-of-liberty-is-the-biggest-christmas-gift\">7. The Statue of Liberty is the biggest Christmas gift<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The world\u2019s most famous lady in green is technically a Christmas present. In 1886, France gave the Statue of Liberty to the United States as a festive gift, weighing an astonishing 204 metric tons. Pretty cool to unwrap a colossal landmark instead of an ugly sweater or socks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2025\/02\/STATUE_OF_LIBERTY_getty-images-G86B9OOuaKg-unsplash-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"The Statue of Liberty with New York City in the background\" class=\"wp-image-880977\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/STATUE_OF_LIBERTY_getty-images-G86B9OOuaKg-unsplash-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/STATUE_OF_LIBERTY_getty-images-G86B9OOuaKg-unsplash-1-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/STATUE_OF_LIBERTY_getty-images-G86B9OOuaKg-unsplash-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/STATUE_OF_LIBERTY_getty-images-G86B9OOuaKg-unsplash-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-xmas-isn-t-a-new-abbreviation\">8. \u201cXmas\u201d isn\u2019t a new abbreviation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Worried that \u201cXmas\u201d is a modern shortcut stripping away tradition? Fear not. The \u201cX\u201d actually comes from the Greek letter <em>Chi<\/em>, the first letter of \u201cChristos.\u201d This shorthand has been around since at least the 16th century, with sacred origins rather than cynical ones. So the next time someone signs \u201cMerry Xmas\u201d don\u2019t call the grammar police.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-the-first-artificial-trees-were-made-of-feathers\">9. The first artificial trees were made of feathers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 19th-century Germany, the very first artificial Christmas trees were made from goose feathers dyed green. These feathered firs gave forests a break from logging and offered households a reusable option.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>READ NEXT: <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/christmas-in-germany\/\"><strong><em>German Christmas traditions: seasonal foods, festivities, and folklore<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-and-tinsel-used-to-be-made-of-silver\">10. And tinsel used to be made of silver<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Think tinsel is a cheap look for your tree? Well, the Christmas bling was once top-tier luxury. In 17th-century Germany, artisans hammered thin strands of pure silver to drape across Christmas trees. Under candlelight, the shimmering effect was magical.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-11-rudolph-was-invented-for-a-department-store\">11. Rudolph was invented for a department store<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2016\/09\/ReindeerinFinland_iStock_NicholasRoemmelt_www.istockphoto-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A reindeer grazing in the snow\" class=\"wp-image-6825\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/ReindeerinFinland_iStock_NicholasRoemmelt_www.istockphoto-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/ReindeerinFinland_iStock_NicholasRoemmelt_www.istockphoto-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/ReindeerinFinland_iStock_NicholasRoemmelt_www.istockphoto-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/ReindeerinFinland_iStock_NicholasRoemmelt_www.istockphoto-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/ReindeerinFinland_iStock_NicholasRoemmelt_www.istockphoto-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/ReindeerinFinland_iStock_NicholasRoemmelt_www.istockphoto.jpg 1698w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone\u2019s favourite red-nosed reindeer wasn\u2019t born from folklore, but from marketing. In 1939, a Chicago department store, Montgomery Ward, asked copywriter Robert L. May to create a children\u2019s Christmas booklet. Enter Rudolph, the underdog reindeer with a glowing nose. The story became a smash hit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-12-coca-cola-popularised-santa-s-red-suit\">12. Coca-Cola popularised Santa\u2019s red suit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking of marketing\u2026 Santa Claus used to come in many colours (think green, blue, even brown). But Coca-Cola\u2019s 1930s ad campaigns dressed him in bright red and it seems to have stuck ever since. While the soda brand didn\u2019t invent Saint Nicholas, it certainly gave him his signature style.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"tf__box horizontal tour-cta\" style=\"height:100%\" data-module-name=\"Trafalgar Unlocked Awards 2024\">\n    <div class=\"tf__box-hero\">\n        <div style=\"background: url(https:\/\/content1.travcorpservices.com\/media\/14358\/german-christmas-markets-guided-tour.jpg?width=1300&#038;height=1300&#038;mode=crop) no-repeat center center \/ cover;\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"tf__box_container\" style=\"background-color: #CFD3C4;\">\n        <div class=\"tf__box_title\" style=\"color: #4B6B35\">\n            <span class=\"tf__box_title-icon\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-suitcase\"><\/i><\/span>\n            <span class=\"tf__box_title-text\">Go on tour<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"tf__box_content\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/german-christmas-markets\" data-item-type=\"navigation\" data-item-name=\"View Trip\">\n            <p class=\"box-header\" style=\"max-width: none;\">German Christmas Markets<\/p>\n\t\t\t<br>\n            \n                <button class=\"tf__button\" style=\"background-color:#4B6B35\">View Trip<\/button>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-13-every-christmas-norway-sends-england-a-tree\">13. Every Christmas Norway sends England a tree<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Each December, a towering spruce appears in London\u2019s Trafalgar Square \u2013 a gift from Norway. Since 1947, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitnorway.com\/typically-norwegian\/christmas\/the-trafalgar-square-christmas-tree\/\">Norwegians have sent<\/a> this tree as thanks for Britain\u2019s support during World War II. Standing more than 20 metres tall, it\u2019s decorated in traditional Norwegian style with vertical strings of lights.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-14-christmas-was-once-banned-in-america\">14. Christmas was once banned in America<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2025\/10\/christmas-tree-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Someone hanging decorations on a Christmas tree with stockings above a fireplace\" class=\"wp-image-884707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/christmas-tree-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/christmas-tree-330x186.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/christmas-tree-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/christmas-tree.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Believe it or not, Christmas used to be illegal in Massachusetts. The Puritans banned it in 1659, claiming the celebration was sinful excess. Anyone caught feasting or showing festive cheer was fined five shillings. The ban lasted until 1681, but suspicion lingered and Christmas only became a federal holiday in the U.S. in 1870 \u2013 nearly two centuries later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-15-the-first-christmas-card-was-controversial\">15. The first Christmas card was controversial<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1843, Sir Henry Cole of London commissioned the first-ever printed Christmas card. It showed a family raising glasses of wine, including a child sipping merrily. Scandalous! Still, the idea caught on and today, billions of cards are sent worldwide each holiday season.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2025\/10\/carols-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"One of the most known facts about Christmas is how popular Silent NIght is\" class=\"wp-image-884709\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/carols-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/carols-330x186.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/carols-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/carols.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-16-silent-night-is-the-most-recorded-carol\">16. \u201cSilent Night\u201d is the most recorded carol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First performed on Christmas Eve in 1818 in Oberndorf, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-us\/destinations\/europe\/austria\">Austria<\/a>, \u201cSilent Night\u201d quickly spread far beyond its humble church origins. Since then, it has been translated into over 300 languages and holds the Guinness World Record as the most recorded Christmas carol with everyone from Bing Crosby to Beyonc\u00e9 singing the tune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>READ NEXT: <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/christmas-in-austria\/\"><strong><em>Christmas in Austria: traditions, food and festivities<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-17-the-world-s-largest-snowflake-was-plate-sized\">17. The world\u2019s largest snowflake was plate-sized<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A snowflake reportedly measuring 38 cm wide drifted to the ground in Montana in 1887. That\u2019s bigger than a dinner plate! While scientists still debate the claim, locals in Fort Keogh swore by it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-18-italy-has-la-befana-the-christmas-witch\">18. Italy has La Befana, the Christmas witch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2025\/10\/la-befana-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"One of the quirkiest facts about Christmas comes from Italy where they have a Christmas witch called La Befana\" class=\"wp-image-884706\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/la-befana-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/la-befana-330x186.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/la-befana-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/la-befana.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the night of January 5th, children in Italy await <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/introducing-la-befana\">La Befana<\/a>, a kindly old witch who swoops down chimneys to deliver gifts and sweets. According to legend, she missed the Wise Men\u2019s journey to Bethlehem and has been searching for the Christ Child ever since. Good kids get candy, naughty ones get coal \u2013 proving she\u2019s both festive and fair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>READ NEXT: <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/family-christmas-vacation-ideas\/\"><strong><em>12 unique Christmas vacation ideas for a family reunion<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-19-poland-sets-an-extra-plate-at-dinner\">19. Poland sets an extra plate at dinner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On Christmas Eve, Polish families set one extra place at the table. Why? Tradition says it\u2019s for an unexpected guest or to honour loved ones who\u2019ve passed away. It\u2019s a small gesture of kindness and hospitality that captures the season\u2019s spirit. There\u2019s always room for one more at Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-20-carolers-once-demanded-pudding\">20. Carolers once demanded pudding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The classic tune \u201cWe Wish You a Merry Christmas\u201d isn\u2019t just about spreading cheer \u2013 it\u2019s a demand for dessert. In 16th-century England, carolers would sing it outside wealthy homes, insisting on figgy pudding (and threatening not to leave until served).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-21-santa-has-his-own-postal-codes\">21. Santa has his own postal codes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2025\/10\/santa-mail-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Santa Claus answering his fan mail.\" class=\"wp-image-884710\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/santa-mail-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/santa-mail-330x186.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/santa-mail-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/santa-mail.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every year, millions of letters flood in for Santa. In Canada, kids can address letters to H0H 0H0 (a nod to his iconic laugh), while Finland\u2019s Santa Village receives half a million letters annually.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-22-santa-claus-is-based-on-a-real-person\">22. Santa Claus is based on a real person<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The jolly man in real. Santa Claus is inspired by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.franciscanmedia.org\/st-anthony-messenger\/saint-nicholas-the-original-santa-claus\">Saint Nicholas of Myra<\/a>, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity. One legend says he secretly tossed bags of gold into the stockings of three poor sisters. Over centuries, St. Nick\u2019s story spread across Europe, evolving into Father Christmas, Sinterklaas, and finally the Santa we know today. Proof that kindness never goes out of style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"tf__box horizontal tour-cta\" style=\"height:100%\" data-module-name=\"Trafalgar Unlocked Awards 2024\">\n    <div class=\"tf__box-hero\">\n        <div style=\"background: url(https:\/\/content1.travcorpservices.com\/media\/14358\/german-christmas-markets-guided-tour.jpg?width=1300&#038;height=1300&#038;mode=crop) no-repeat center center \/ cover;\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"tf__box_container\" style=\"background-color: #CFD3C4;\">\n        <div class=\"tf__box_title\" style=\"color: #4B6B35\">\n            <span class=\"tf__box_title-icon\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-suitcase\"><\/i><\/span>\n            <span class=\"tf__box_title-text\">Go on tour<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"tf__box_content\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/german-christmas-markets\" data-item-type=\"navigation\" data-item-name=\"View Trip\">\n            <p class=\"box-header\" style=\"max-width: none;\">German Christmas Markets<\/p>\n\t\t\t<br>\n            \n                <button class=\"tf__button\" style=\"background-color:#4B6B35\">View Trip<\/button>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-23-in-ukraine-spiders-bring-good-luck\">23. In Ukraine, spiders bring good luck<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Forget baubles \u2013 Ukrainian trees are often adorned with glittering spiderweb ornaments. This comes from a folk tale about a poor widow whose tree was magically spun into golden webs by kind-hearted spiders. Today, webs are seen as symbols of good fortune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-24-prince-albert-popularised-the-christmas-tree\">24. Prince Albert popularised the Christmas tree<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While decorated trees are now a Christmas staple, it was Prince Albert \u2013 Queen Victoria\u2019s German husband \u2013 who <a href=\"https:\/\/stonepitts.com\/christmas-tree-history\">made them fashionable<\/a> in Britain. In 1848, an illustration of the royal family gathered around their decorated fir tree was published, and soon every household wanted one. But the idea of evergreen decoration goes back even further \u2013 the Romans celebrated Saturnalia by decking homes with greenery.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-25-candy-canes-originated-in-germany\">25. Candy canes originated in Germany<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2025\/10\/gingerbread-house-and-candy-canes-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Candy canes adorning a gingerbread house at Christmastime\" class=\"wp-image-884705\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/gingerbread-house-and-candy-canes-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/gingerbread-house-and-candy-canes-330x186.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/gingerbread-house-and-candy-canes-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/gingerbread-house-and-candy-canes.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Candy canes are believed to have started in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-us\/destinations\/europe\/germany\">Germany<\/a> in the 1600s, when a choirmaster gave sugar sticks bent into shepherd\u2019s crooks to keep children quiet during long Christmas services. The peppermint flavour and stripes came later, but the shape stuck. From church pews to Christmas stockings, candy canes have been a holiday favourite for centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Those are our 25 fun and interesting facts about Christmas. Which one surprised you the most? Leave us a comment\u2026.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Christmas is both the most wonderful time of the year and a time of quirky traditions built over centuries. From spiders in Ukraine to KFC buckets in Japan to clever marketing in the USA, the festive season looks different across the world. Whether you\u2019re a trivia buff or just a curious holiday enthusiast, we hope [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":880263,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[4910],"tags":[1530,23210,21648,1567,1952,23209],"class_list":["post-884704","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspiration","tag-christmas","tag-christmas-facts","tag-christmas-holiday","tag-christmas-markets","tag-christmas-travel","tag-facts-about-christmas"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>25 Interesting Facts About Christmas That Will Surprise You<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover 25 fascinating facts about Christmas \u2013\u00a0from quirky traditions to surprising history \u2013 that will amaze and delight you.\" \/>\n<meta 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