Christmas is a magical time of year, full of joy, traditions, and surprises. But how much do you really know about this festive season? Here are seven fun Christmas facts to share with your kids that will make the holiday even more exciting!
1. Santa’s Sleigh Travels at Lightning Speed!
Did you know that Santa has to visit about 390,000 homes per minute on Christmas Eve? That’s faster than the speed of light! Of course, he has a little magic on his side to help make it all happen.
2. The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever Was Taller Than the Statue of Liberty
The tallest Christmas tree ever recorded was a whopping 221 feet tall! It was displayed in a shopping mall in Seattle, Washington, in 1950. Imagine how many lights and ornaments it took to decorate it!
3. Jingle Bells Wasn’t Originally a Christmas Song
One of the most popular Christmas songs, Jingle Bells, was actually written for Thanksgiving in the USA! It was composed in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont and titled “One Horse Open Sleigh.” Over time, it became a Christmas classic.
4. Reindeer Antlers Are Amazing!
Did you know that male reindeer lose their antlers in winter, while female reindeer keep theirs? That means Santa’s reindeer—including Rudolph—are probably girls!
5. The First Christmas Card Was Sent in 1843
The tradition of sending Christmas cards started in England in 1843. The first card was designed by John Horsley and featured a festive family scene. Today, billions of Christmas cards are sent around the world each year!
6. Christmas Was Once Banned in England
In the 1600s, Christmas celebrations were banned in England by Oliver Cromwell because he thought they were too festive! Thankfully, the ban didn’t last, and now we can enjoy the holiday season with lots of cheer.
7. The World’s Largest Snowman Was Bigger Than a House
In 2008, residents of Bethel, Maine, built a snowman (or rather, a snow-woman!) that stood 122 feet tall. They named her Olympia Snowe, and she even had trees for arms!
Christmas is full of wonder, and learning these fun facts is a great way to add some extra sparkle to your holiday season. Share them with your family and friends, and see who can remember them all! Merry Christmas!