68 Fun Facts About Christmas

In the movie Home Alone, what city does the McCallister family fly to for their Christmas vacation?

The McCallister family flies to Paris for Christmas, accidentally leaving Kevin behind in their Chicago suburb home.

Which actor plays Buddy the Elf in the 2003 movie Elf?

Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole who travels to New York City to find his biological father.

What is the name of the Grinch's dog in How the Grinch Stole Christmas?

Max is the Grinch's loyal dog who is forced to help carry out the plan to steal Christmas from the Whos in Whoville.

Which Christmas song holds the record as the best-selling holiday single of all time?

White Christmas by Bing Crosby is the best-selling single of all time with estimated sales of over 50 million copies worldwide.

In A Christmas Story, what does Ralphie desperately want for Christmas?

Ralphie Parker wants a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle, but everyone keeps telling him he'll shoot his eye out.

What Christmas movie features the line "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings"?

This iconic line is spoken near the end of the 1946 classic It's a Wonderful Life, directed by Frank Capra and starring Jimmy Stewart.

Who wrote the song "White Christmas"?

Irving Berlin wrote White Christmas in 1940. It was first performed by Bing Crosby on a radio show in 1941 and later featured in the 1942 film Holiday Inn.

In the movie The Polar Express, what is the first gift of Christmas?

In The Polar Express, Santa gives the boy a silver bell from his sleigh. The bell represents the spirit of Christmas and can only be heard by those who truly believe.

Which band originally performed "Last Christmas" in 1984?

Wham!, the pop duo of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, released Last Christmas in 1984. It has become one of the most-played Christmas songs of all time.

What 1990 Christmas movie was the highest-grossing film of that year in the United States?

Home Alone, starring Macaulay Culkin, earned over $476 million worldwide and was the highest-grossing film of 1990 domestically.

What country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition in the 16th century. Devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes, and Martin Luther is said to have first added lighted candles to a tree.

What plant is traditionally hung in doorways at Christmas for people to kiss under?

Mistletoe has been associated with kissing since at least the 18th century. The tradition may have Norse mythological origins connected to the goddess Frigg.

In which country is it a Christmas tradition to eat KFC for Christmas dinner?

In Japan, eating KFC for Christmas became a nationwide tradition after a hugely successful 1974 marketing campaign called Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii (Kentucky for Christmas).

What is the name of the ballet that features the Sugar Plum Fairy and is commonly performed at Christmas?

The Nutcracker, composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, premiered in 1892 and has become the most frequently performed ballet during the Christmas season worldwide.

How many reindeer pull Santa's sleigh according to the classic poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas"?

The 1823 poem names eight reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen. Rudolph was added later in 1939 by Robert L. May.

What color was Santa Claus's suit before the modern red version became standard?

Before the standardized red suit, Santa was depicted in various colors including green, blue, brown, and tan. The red suit became dominant through 19th-century illustrations and was later popularized (though not invented) by Coca-Cola ads in the 1930s.

What is the name of the main character in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens?

Ebenezer Scrooge is the miserly protagonist of A Christmas Carol, published in 1843. He is visited by three ghosts who help him rediscover the meaning of Christmas.

Which real historical figure is Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus, based on?

Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century Greek Christian bishop of Myra (in modern-day Turkey), known for his generous gifts to the poor. His feast day on December 6th became associated with gift-giving.

What Christmas decoration was originally made from strands of silver?

Tinsel was originally made from real silver in Germany in the early 1600s. It was designed to reflect candlelight on Christmas trees. Later, cheaper materials like aluminum and PVC replaced silver.

In which century was the first Christmas card sent?

The first commercial Christmas card was commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in London in 1843. It was designed by John Callcott Horsley and depicted a family celebrating with a message of goodwill.

What traditional Christmas drink is made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs?

Eggnog is a rich, creamy drink traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, whipped eggs, and often spiked with rum, brandy, or bourbon. It originated from a medieval British drink called posset.

What is Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th in many Commonwealth countries?

Boxing Day originated as a day when servants and tradespeople would receive gifts (Christmas boxes) from their employers. It is now a public holiday in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth nations.

Which Christmas carol contains the lyrics "O tidings of comfort and joy"?

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is a traditional English Christmas carol dating back to at least the 15th century. Its chorus repeats the phrase O tidings of comfort and joy.

What is the German name for the traditional Christmas market?

Weihnachtsmarkt literally translates to Christmas market. These markets originated in Germany in the Late Middle Ages and feature handmade crafts, food, and mulled wine (Gluhwein).

What is the traditional Christmas flower, originally from Mexico, that turns red in winter?

The poinsettia is native to Mexico and was introduced to the United States by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, in the 1820s. The red leaves are actually bracts, not petals.

In the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," what gift is given on the fifth day?

On the fifth day of Christmas, the gift is five golden rings. This is one of the most memorable lines in the cumulative song, which dates back to at least 1780.

Which Dickens character says "God bless us, every one"?

Tiny Tim, the sickly young son of Bob Cratchit, speaks this famous line in A Christmas Carol. It has become one of the most quoted phrases associated with the Christmas spirit.

What does Advent count down to in the Christian calendar?

Advent is the period of preparation leading up to Christmas Day (December 25th), beginning four Sundays before Christmas. Advent calendars typically have 24 or 25 doors counting down the days.

In which European country do children leave their shoes out for Sinterklaas to fill with gifts?

In the Netherlands, children place their shoes by the fireplace or door on the evening of December 5th (Sinterklaasavond). Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of St. Nicholas, fills them with small gifts and treats.

What fruit is traditionally placed in the toe of a Christmas stocking?

An orange in the toe of a Christmas stocking is a long-standing tradition, likely dating to the story of St. Nicholas dropping gold coins into the stockings of three poor sisters. Oranges were once a rare luxury item, symbolizing wealth and generosity.

What popular Christmas movie is actually based on a Dr. Seuss book published in 1957?

How the Grinch Stole Christmas was written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) and published in 1957. It was adapted into a beloved TV special in 1966 and a live-action film in 2000.

What is the name of the traditional Italian Christmas Eve feast of seafood?

The Feast of the Seven Fishes (Festa dei Sette Pesci) is an Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition featuring seven different seafood dishes. The number seven has various symbolic meanings in Catholic tradition.

Which country donates the Christmas tree that stands in Trafalgar Square in London each year?

Norway has donated a Christmas tree to London every year since 1947 as a gesture of gratitude for British support during World War II. The tree comes from the forests around Oslo.

What was Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer originally created as?

Rudolph was created in 1939 by Robert L. May as a coloring book for the Montgomery Ward department store chain. The famous song by Johnny Marks came later in 1949, recorded by Gene Autry.

What sweet treat is traditionally left out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve in the United States?

In the United States, children traditionally leave out cookies and a glass of milk for Santa on Christmas Eve. This tradition is believed to have started during the Great Depression as a way to teach children generosity.

Which famous scientist was born on Christmas Day in 1642?

Isaac Newton was born on December 25, 1642, according to the Julian calendar in use in England at the time. Under the Gregorian calendar, his birthday would be January 4, 1643.

What is the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time (adjusted for inflation)?

Home Alone (1990) remains the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time when adjusted for inflation, with domestic earnings equivalent to over $900 million in today's dollars.

In the Christmas song, what did Frosty the Snowman have for a nose?

According to the song Frosty the Snowman (1950), Frosty had a button nose, a corncob pipe, and two eyes made out of coal. Many people mistakenly remember it as a carrot.

What traditional Christmas spice comes from the bark of a tree?

Cinnamon is harvested from the inner bark of trees in the genus Cinnamomum. It has been a prized spice for thousands of years and is a key ingredient in many Christmas recipes, from mulled wine to gingerbread.

What is the name of the period of 12 days between Christmas Day and Epiphany?

Christmastide (also called the Twelve Days of Christmas) runs from December 25 to January 5, ending on the eve of Epiphany (January 6). This period is the basis for the famous cumulative song.

What Christmas-themed Die Hard debate centers around the 1988 Bruce Willis movie?

The perennial pop culture debate is whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie. It takes place on Christmas Eve at a holiday party, but its genre is action thriller. Bruce Willis himself has weighed in on both sides.

Which country celebrates Christmas on January 7th instead of December 25th?

Russia and several other Orthodox Christian countries celebrate Christmas on January 7th because the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar.

What is the British term for a decorated paper tube that snaps open and contains a small toy, joke, and paper crown?

Christmas crackers were invented by London confectioner Tom Smith in 1847. They are a staple of British and Commonwealth Christmas celebrations, pulled apart at the dinner table.

What is the Yule Log, in its original Scandinavian tradition?

The original Yule Log was a large log selected and burned in the hearth during the 12 days of Christmas in Scandinavian and European tradition. The chocolate cake version (Buche de Noel) came much later in 19th-century France.

In the movie Elf, what are Buddy's four main food groups?

Buddy the Elf proudly declares that elves stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup. This line perfectly captures Buddy's childlike nature and elf upbringing.

What ancient Roman festival, celebrated in late December, heavily influenced modern Christmas celebrations?

Saturnalia was a Roman festival honoring the god Saturn, held from December 17-23. It featured gift-giving, feasting, and merrymaking, many aspects of which were later absorbed into Christmas celebrations.

What popular Christmas Eve tradition involves tracking Santa's journey around the world via radar?

NORAD Tracks Santa began in 1955 when a Sears ad misprinted a phone number, directing children to the Continental Air Defense Command (now NORAD). A colonel on duty played along, and the tradition has continued every Christmas Eve since.

Which country has the tradition of hiding a pickle ornament in the Christmas tree?

Despite being called the Christmas Pickle (Weihnachtsgurke) and often attributed to Germany, this tradition is actually most popular in the United States. The first child to find the hidden pickle ornament on Christmas morning gets an extra gift.

What is frankincense, one of the gifts the Three Wise Men brought to baby Jesus?

Frankincense is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia. It has been used for thousands of years as incense in religious ceremonies and was extremely valuable in the ancient world.

In which decade did the tradition of electric Christmas tree lights replace candles?

The first electrically illuminated Christmas tree was displayed in 1882 by Edward H. Johnson, a friend and business partner of Thomas Edison. However, electric lights did not become widely affordable and popular until the 1920s.

What ancient Roman festival, celebrated in mid-December, is often associated with the origins of some Christmas traditions?

The Roman festival of Saturnalia, dedicated to the god Saturn, was celebrated from December 17th to 23rd and featured feasting, gift-giving, and general revelry, influencing many modern Christmas customs.

Which monarch's husband is credited with popularizing the Christmas tree in England during the 19th century?

Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's German husband, helped popularize the Christmas tree in Britain in the 1840s by bringing the tradition to Windsor Castle, an image that quickly spread through an engraving in the Illustrated London News.

In what century was December 25th first widely recognized as the date for celebrating Christmas?

The first official record of December 25th being celebrated as Christmas dates back to 336 AD, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine.

Which historical figure is the primary inspiration for the modern Santa Claus?

The popular image of Santa Claus is largely based on traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian Greek bishop known for his generosity and gift-giving.

What evergreen plant, often associated with Christmas, is traditionally hung as a decoration and used for kissing beneath?

Mistletoe, an evergreen plant with white berries, has been a traditional Christmas decoration for centuries, notably linked to the custom of kissing beneath it.

Who wrote the classic novella 'A Christmas Carol'?

Charles Dickens penned the enduring Christmas tale 'A Christmas Carol' in 1843, which tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation.

What bird is traditionally the main course for Christmas dinner in the United Kingdom?

While goose was historically popular, turkey became the dominant main course for Christmas dinner in the UK, especially popularized in the Victorian era and by figures like Henry VIII.

In the traditional poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas' (also known as 'The Night Before Christmas'), how many reindeer initially pull Santa's sleigh?

Clement C. Moore's 1823 poem, 'A Visit from St. Nicholas,' originally listed eight reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh, before Rudolph was later introduced.

How many reindeer are typically recognized as pulling Santa's sleigh, including Rudolph?

The traditional poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas' introduced eight reindeer, but Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was added later in a popular story and song, bringing the commonly recognized total to nine.

On what date is Christmas Day primarily observed in Western Christian traditions?

While many Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar, resulting in Christmas on January 7th, the majority of Western Christian traditions observe Christmas Day on December 25th.

What traditional plant is often associated with kissing during the holiday season?

Mistletoe has ancient associations with fertility and peace, and the tradition of kissing under it became popular in 18th-century England.

Which legendary figure is widely believed to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in many Western cultures?

Santa Claus, a figure largely developed from St. Nicholas, is the most recognized gift-bringer in many Western cultures, though other figures exist globally.

Which country is widely credited with originating the tradition of decorating evergreen trees as Christmas trees?

The modern Christmas tree tradition is often traced back to 16th-century Germany, where Christians began decorating trees in their homes.

What is the name of Santa's most famous reindeer, known for guiding his sleigh with a luminous red nose?

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created by Robert L. May in a 1939 booklet and became famous for leading Santa's sleigh.

What classic creamy cocktail, distinct from eggnog, is often enjoyed during the Christmas season and typically contains milk, spirits, and spices?

Milk Punch is a traditional holiday beverage, often made with milk or cream, brandy or bourbon, rum, and spices like nutmeg, offering a creamy taste different from eggnog.

Which ancient Roman holiday, marked by feasting and gift-giving, is believed to have influenced some Christmas traditions?

Saturnalia, a Roman festival honoring the god Saturn, involved feasting, gift exchanges, and a temporary reversal of social roles, and is thought to have contributed to some Christmas customs.

What famous ballet, set during Christmas Eve, features a young girl, a magical nutcracker, and a battle with a Mouse King?

Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker,' based on an E.T.A. Hoffmann story, is a beloved Christmas ballet first performed in 1892, telling the tale of Clara's magical journey.

What roasted meat is a common centerpiece for Christmas dinner in many English-speaking countries?

Roast turkey is a traditional main course for Christmas dinner in many English-speaking countries, often served with stuffing, potatoes, and various vegetables.