10 Christmas Facts of Yesteryear

Christmas has been celebrated in some form or fashion for centuries. Although holiday customs and traditions may change, the Christian foundation of Christmas remains. Aside from Christian teachings, Christmas history is not a subject taught in schools, and there is a lot of history associated with the most popular holiday of the year. How many people know when the first Christmas tree was erected at Windsor Castle or which state was last to make Christmas a legal holiday? Here are a few fun facts about Christmas you may not have known.

Fact #1

The first Christmas tree was erected in 1834 in Windsor Castle by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. However, some historians dispute this fact, claiming Queen Charlotte, Victoria's grandmother, had a Christmas tree in her suite at Windsor as early as 1800.

Fact #2

Christmas carols were introduced in church services by St. Francis of Assisi in 13^th Century Italy. Some consider Italy as the true birthplace of the Christmas carol.

Fact #3

The first American Christmas carol was entitled "Jesus is Born", written by a minister, John de Brebeur, a member of the Society of Jesus, in 1649.

Fact #4

Although there is debate of whether Austria or Canada is the first country to issue a Christmas postage stamp, experts agree is was Austria in 1937. The two stamps depicted a rose and zodiac signs.

Fact #5

The first White House Christmas tree was decorated in 1856 by President Franklin Pierce and his wife. However, decorating a Christmas tree in the White House did not fully become a tradition until 1889 when Benjamin Harrison was President.

Fact #6

The first Christmas card made its appearance in1846 depicting a family, merrily toasting each other with glasses of wine. So shocking was a picture that it was condemned by temperance advocates. Reproductions of this historic card can be purchased today.

Fact #7

Oklahoma, in 1907, was the last United State to make Christmas a legal holiday.

Fact #8

Mainly because of religious prejudice, the celebration of Christmas was once abolished in Britain in 1643. People were allowed to worship and hold prayer services, but no other celebrations were permitted. This ban lasted until 1660 when the British Parliament reinstituted the custom.

Fact #9

The song, "White Christmas" written by Irving Berlin and sang by Bing Crosby, was released in 1942 by Decca records. It sold more than 50 million copies making it the best-selling single of all time.

Fact #10

Holly leaves and berries were added as a Christmas decoration sometime in the 17^th century. The thorny leaves symbolized the crown of thorns placed on Christ's head and the red berries his blood. Houses adorned with a wreath of holly signified the people within the home celebrated the birth of Christ.

Sources: Today's Advantage, The Hymns and Carols of Christmas, benbest.com, The Salvation Army

Other articles by this contributor:

Ignorance and want are abundant this Christmas season

The greatest Christmas gift to receive

Hanging up the Christmas lights