Some Interesting Facts About Christmas

 

The image was taken from Pexel.com.

Some fun Christmas facts in South Africa

I did research on how Christmas gets celebrated in South Africa.  Came upon a link "24 Interesting Facts and Information for Kids." Kids get immersed in Xmas decorations, get gifts, anxiously wait for Santa. Those pieces of information need to be passed down to know the history of Xmas to share with others. It came on a parenting website.   

I will choose some remarkably interesting among them.

Xmas on 25 December

Christmas comes with the annual holidays celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.  The 25th day December got chosen as his birthday by the Roman Catholic Church years after his death. Presently, it is a global celebration.

The Xmas Tree

The origin of the Christmas trees goes back to Egyptians and Romans, who used fig or pine trees, wreaths or garlands.  The use of the modern Christmas tree started in Germany in the 16th century. 

Santa Claus

The character of Santa Claus, as per the legend, is based on St.Nicholas, a benevolent Christan bishop who provided for the poor and the needy and loved gifting children in secret. Sinterklaas in Duch became Santa Claus. 

Santa Claus's Red attire

 The dress code of the jolly good man from the North Pole was green, purple or Blue.  Then Coca Cola decided to dress him in red, their brand colour striking it large.  

Christmas Wreath  

Christmas wreath represents the crown of thrones Jesus bear on his head, later on, added with the colours of red, green and gold--representing Jesus's blood, life and royalty. 

Christmas Carol

 Xmas carol comes from the English tradition of Wassailing:  British kept a custom of wassailing- to toast to someone's good health and fortune. St. Francis of Assisi converted this to a modern tradition of carolling.

Santa, too love gifts.  

Santa love cookies and milk love taking them while travelling around.  Parents should ask their children to help them make cookies for them and Santa.  

Plum Cakes

Though called plum cakes, we add raisins, not plums, in the Christmas cakes.  There were no plums in the medical times, only raisins.

Statue of Liberty the Biggest Christmas Gift

The Statue of Liberty was a Christmas gift to the USA from the people of France in 1886. Christmas is also a time to exchange gifts.  Alabama was the first state in the US to recognise Christmas as a public holiday in 1836. Oklahoma recognised Christmas as a holiday in 1907. 

England's Traditional Xmas Meal

The traditional Christmas meal wasn't turkey, pigs heads covered in the mustard in England. This was before turkey became the choice of food there. 

Kissing under the mistletoe  

(A mistletoe is a parasite plant growing on a tree, considered the symbol of love and laughter.  The tradition has a long funny history.)

The tradition of nailing stockings near the fireplace.  This is to help Santa to keep candies and goodies for bright children.  

Christmas crackers 

Tom Smith started the tradition of Christmas crackers in London. During a visit to France, he got inspired by the almonds wrapped in beautiful paper -' bon-bon,' which didn't tick. So, he came with the pulling crackers apart and toys and savouries coming out. 

The informative post intends to educate children on the meaning of Xmas traditions and customs and participate and celebrate at home as part of Christmas.