Hanging Christmas Tree

Amazing Christmas Facts for Children

1. THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

Christmas is celebrated as the birthday of Jesus. The 25^th day of December was chosen to mark His birthday by the Roman Catholic Church years after His death.

2. CHRISTMAS TREES

The first known instances of using Christmas trees were in 16^th century Germany. Instead of the glitzy decorations we see on them today, they were decorated with fruits and nuts. These trees are evergreen and are also known as yule trees.

3. XMAS

Ever wondered why Christmas is also known as Xmas? The X comes from the ancient Greek language where X refers to Christ. So, Xmas simply means Christmas.

4. SANTA CLAUS

One of the most interesting aspects of Christmas, especially for children, is Santa Claus. Children want to catch Santa Claus bringing them presents. The character is based on St. Nicholas who loved children and also enjoyed giving gifts to children secretly.

5. SANTA CLAUS’ CLOTHES

Did you know that Santa initially wore clothes that were in green, purple or even blue? For many years, this was the common theme for the jolly old man at the North Pole. However, Coca Cola decided to dress him up in colours that match their brand and now he is forever in red clothes!

6. SANTA’S REINDEER

Everyone has heard of Rudolph the red nose reindeer. But it would be impossible for Rudolph to pull Santa’s sled alone since it is filled to the brim with gifts for every good child in the world. This is why there are eight other reindeer to help him. They are called Cupid, Dancer, Vixen, Dunder, Comet, Dasher, Prancer, and Blixem.

7. GIFTS FOR BABY JESUS

So what gifts did baby Jesus get? Upon his birth, there shone a bright star in the sky. Three kings followed this star and made a long journey to the birthplace of Jesus. They bore with them gifts of gold, frankincense (aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes), and oils.

8. CHRISTMAS WREATH

The Christmas wreath is representative of the crown of thorns Jesus is usually seen with. Eventually, the colours of Christmas – red, green, and gold – were added. Red is said to represent the blood of Jesus, green is supposed to symbolize life, and gold stands for royalty and light.

9. CAROLLING

Have you ever wondered why groups of people go to door to door singing carols? The tradition is based on the English custom of wassailing which was a tradition to toast to someone’s good health and fortune. St. Francis of Assisi took this tradition and converted it to the modern form of carolling.

10. GIFTS FOR SANTA

We all know that Santa comes bearing gifts to all children as long as they have been good through the year. But did you know that you can also give gifts to Santa? While the jolly old man does not want traditional gifts, he is a bit partial to cookies and milk to keep him fortified during his trip around the world.

11. CHRISTMAS CAKE

One of the best parts of Christmas is the bounty of Christmas cake available everywhere. These cakes are also known as plum cakes but there are, in fact, no plums in the cake! Raisins were known as plums in medieval times and the ingredients were stirred in an East to West direction similar to that of the journey of the three wise men.

12. ELVES

One of the reasons Santa can make his marathon runs through the day is due to the help of his trusted elven workforce. The merry spirit of Christmas is celebrated because of these cheerful workers and their commitment to the kids of the world.

13. MISTLETOE

A tradition that goes back centuries, did you know that the mistletoe is supposed to be a symbol of love, laughter and compassion? The tradition of a kiss under the mistletoe is supposed to a way of asking for the blessings of the spirits of Christmas through the mistletoe.

14. CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS

The tradition of nailing Christmas stockings near a fireplace is to help Santa have a place to stuff those candies and goodies for all those bright and cheerful children of the world! It is also an endless supply of socks for our bright red bringer of merriment.

15. Christmas Sweaters

No Christmas is complete without adorable Christmas sweaters. Did you know that a large part of the world has contests like the best Christmas sweater competition? This tradition not only makes your child look adorable but also leaves long-lasting memories to laugh about and cherish for years to come.

16. LUMPS OF COAL

Did you know that Santa does not simply ignore the children who have been bad through the year? He puts pieces of coal into the child’s stocking instead of gifts! This tradition started in Italy. Yet another important reason for children to be good through the year and do as many good deeds as they can!

17. CHRISTMAS CARDS

One of the most fun rituals of Christmas is the exchange of Christmas cards. You can choose to make your own cards with embellishments that you can go select yourself. Write a heartfelt message to the person you want to wish and don’t forget to wish them good fortune.

18. CHRISTMAS GIFTS

The most joyous part of Christmas is the exchange of gifts. You can either save up through the year to buy your friends and family gifts or you can make the gifts yourself. Ask an adult for help with the wrapping and add messages to your loved ones.

19. 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Have you ever wondered why the holidays are also referred to as the 12 days of Christmas? Legend has it that the three kings took twelve days to travel to the birthplace of baby Jesus.

20. BIGGEST CHRISTMAS GIFT

Do you know which is the biggest Christmas gift ever presented? The Statue of Liberty was gifted by France to the USA as a Christmas gift in 1886. There are many traditions and customs your kids can partake in the happiest time of the year. Remember to involve them in as many rituals as you can be it decorating the tree and house or making plum cakes. The festivities begin at home and will be treasured by children for years to come.