Can you believe it is already December 23rd? It's the time of year when we can take a moment to pause and appreciate all that we have. The holiday season is an important time to reflect on our blessings and connect with family, friends, and community members. Here are some interesting facts about the season you may not know.
Coca-Cola played a part in Santa's image.
"Before Coca-Cola decided to use his image for advertising, Santa's looks tended more toward spooky than jolly. Then, in 1931, the beverage company hired an illustrator named Haddon Sundblom to depict the jolly old elf for magazine ads. Now, kids see visions of sugarplums instead of having Santa-themed nightmares."
Christmas wasn't always on December 25.
"While Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the actual date of the big event is lost to history. There's no mention of December 25 in the Bible, and many historians say Jesus was most likely born in the spring. Some historians posit the date was originally chosen because it coincided with the pagan festival of Saturnalia, which honored the agricultural god Saturn with celebrating and gift-giving."
"Jingle Bells" was originally a Thanksgiving song.
"Turns out, we first started dashing through the snow for an entirely different holiday. James Lord Pierpont wrote the song called "One Horse Open Sleigh" for his church's Thanksgiving concert in the mid-19th century. Then in 1857, the song was re-released under the title we all know and love. Today, it's still among the most popular Christmas songs."
"Tinsel was invented in 1610 in Germany and was originally spun from real silver, making it far from the chintzy decoration it is now. The U.S. government also once banned tinsel because it used to contain poisonous lead. But never fear; now it's just plastic. It should still be kept away from young kids and pets, though, since they could still choke on it. "
The Friday and Saturday before Christmas are the busiest shopping days of the year.
"Move over, Black Friday! According to recent statistics, the top 10 busiest shopping days in the U.S. account for nearly half of all holiday retail traffic, including the weekend before the big day."
The majority of Americans buy artificial Christmas trees.
"According to the American Christmas Tree Association, nearly 94 million households displayed a Christmas tree in 2020, and a whopping 85 percent of those trees were artificial."
Why do we kiss under the mistletoe?
"This popular kissing tradition may have its roots in Norse mythology. The History Channel reports that Frigg, the goddess of love, promised to kiss anyone who passed under the berry-laden plant after it saved her son's life. It wasn't until the 18th century, however, that the Christmas custom picked up steam in England."
What is the best-selling Christmas song of all time?
"Bing Crosby's classic song "White Christmas" is not only the best-selling Christmas song but the best-selling single of all time."
Happy Holidays from all of us at Winn Technology Group!
