Origin of the Name The word "Christmas" comes from the Old English phrase Cristes Maesse, meaning "Mass of Christ."
Christmas Wasn't Always on December 25 Early Christians didn’t celebrate Christmas until the 4th century when Pope Julius I chose December 25 to coincide with pagan winter solstice celebrations.
Santa Claus Origins Santa Claus was inspired by St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop known for his generosity. His legend evolved into the jolly figure we know today.
The First Christmas Tree The tradition of decorating Christmas trees started in Germany in the 16th century, when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.
Christmas Lights’ Invention Thomas Edison’s assistant, Edward Johnson, invented the first Christmas lights in 1882, replacing traditional candles for safety.
The Biggest Gift The Statue of Liberty, given by France to the U.S. in 1886, is considered the largest Christmas gift ever given.
Jingle Bells Trivia “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving in 1857 but became one of the most popular Christmas songs.
Xmas is Not a Modern Trend The term "Xmas" dates back to the 16th century, with "X" being the Greek letter Chi, representing Christ.