1. Bing Crosby's White Christmas is the best selling record of all time
Bing Crosby's iconic holiday classic, "White Christmas," is the best selling record of all time, having sold over 50 million copies since its release in 1942. It has become a staple of the Christmas season, and its popularity has endured for over 75 years, making it one of the most beloved and recognizable Christmas songs of all time.
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Advertisement2. 12 Days of Christmas
Christmas is a special time of year for Christians, as it marks the end of the Advent season and the beginning of the twelve days of Christmastide. During this period, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and reflect on the importance of his teachings. The festivities culminate on the twelfth night, when the Christmas season officially comes to a close.
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3. The History of Christmas Tree Decorations
The earliest known Christmas tree decorations were apples, which were hung from the branches of the tree as a symbol of fertility and abundance. Apples were also seen as a representation of the Garden of Eden, and were thought to bring good luck and prosperity to those who hung them. This tradition of decorating Christmas trees with apples dates back to the 16th century in Germany, and is still practiced in some parts of the world today.
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4. Celebrate Christmas without religion
Christmas is a widely celebrated civil holiday in many countries around the world, regardless of religious beliefs. It is an integral part of the Christmas and holiday season, and is enjoyed by people of all faiths and backgrounds. From decorations to gift-giving, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration for many people.
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Advertisement5. The holiday with roots in Eastern Christianity
Christmas, the beloved holiday celebrated by millions around the world, has its roots in Eastern Christianity. The original date of the celebration was January 6, in connection with Epiphany, a Christian feast day that commemorates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. This date was chosen to honor the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, as described in the Gospel of Matthew. Over time, the celebration of Christmas spread to the Western Church, and the date was changed to December 25.
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6. The Statue of Liberty: A French Christmas Gift
In 1886, France gave the United States the world's largest and most impressive Christmas present - the Statue of Liberty. Standing at an impressive 305 feet tall, the iconic statue has become a symbol of freedom and democracy for the United States and the world. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, and it stands as a reminder of the friendship between the two countries.
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7. 364 Gifts in 12 Days of Christmas
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a whopping 364 gifts! From the partridge in a pear tree to the twelve drummers drumming, the Twelve Days of Christmas is a festive tradition that has been around for centuries. Each day of the Twelve Days of Christmas brings with it a new gift, and by the end of the twelve days, the recipient has received a grand total of 364 presents!
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Advertisement8. Christmas Trees: A Staple of the Holiday Season
Since 1850, Christmas trees have been a staple of the holiday season in the United States. Initially, these trees were harvested from the wild, but as demand increased, Christmas tree farms began to spring up across the country. Today, these farms produce millions of trees each year, providing a festive centerpiece for homes and businesses alike.
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9. 3 billion cards exchanged during the Christmas season
During the festive Christmas season, an incredible 3 billion cards are sold, making it one of the most popular times of the year for exchanging greetings and well-wishes. From traditional paper cards to modern e-cards, the holiday season is a time for people to connect with one another and share in the joy of the season.
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10. Schoolteacher's quick thinking saves Christmas carol
On a cold winter night in 1818, the church choir of Oberndorf, Austria was preparing to perform their traditional Christmas carols when disaster struck - the organ had broken down. Fortunately, the choir was saved by the quick thinking of the local schoolteacher, Joseph Mohr, who had written a poem two years prior. He quickly wrote the melody for the poem, and the choir sang it that night as a replacement for the organ - the song was "Silent Night". This beloved Christmas carol has since been translated into over 300 languages and is still sung around the world today.
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