We are going to have a Boxing Day sale here as well – mention this blog and you will save $10 off any quote you receive until January 30th – Merry Christmas!
Here are a few fun facts about Christmas! Did you know?:
- Christmas caroling began as an old English custom called Wassailing–wishing neighbors a long and healthy life.
- The first United States President to decorate the White House Christmas tree was Franklin Pierce.
- Santa Clause gets his origins from St. Nicholas a generous man from the 4th Century A.D. who helped children and the poor and often threw gifts threw children’s windows to make them happy. The story was brought to America by Dutch immigrants who called the man “Sinter Klaas.”
- Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
- Charles Dickens’ famous work, “A Christmas Carol” was written in just six weeks.
- During the Christmas buying season, Visa Cards alone are used an average of 5, 340 times every minute in the U.S.
- Even though many believe the Friday after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year, the Friday and Saturday before Christmas are actually the two busiest shopping days of the year.
- In Greek, X means Christ. That is where the word “X-mas” comes from, contrary to the idea that people wanted to take the “Christ” out of Christmas.
- “Rudolph” was created by Montgomery Ward in the late 1930′s for a holiday promotion.
- A traditional Christmas dinner in early England was the head of a pig prepared with mustard. Considering changing to this English classic?
- Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa Clause for a winter promotion.
- If you received all of the gifts listed in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song, you would receive 364 presents.
- “It’s a Wonderful Life” appears on television more than any other holigay film.
- The U.S.’s official national Christmas Tree is located in King’s Canyon National Park in California– a giant sequoia over 300 feet high nicknamed the “General Grant Tree.”
- Christmas became a national U.S. holiday in 1870.
- Charles Dickens’ original choice for Scrooge’s statement “Bah Humbug” was “Bah Christmas.” Doesn’t quite have the same ring.
- “Jingle Bells” was first written for Thanksgiving but later became one of the most popular Christmas songs.
- At lavish Christmas feasts in the middle ages, swans and peacocks were sometimes served “endored.” This meant that the flesh was painted and the birds were served wrapped in their skin and feathers which had been removed an set aside prior to roasting. Care for some roast peacock?
- Christmas trees are edible. The needles on pines, spruces and firs are actually a good source of Vitamin C and the pine cones are a good source of nutrition. So forget about the orange juice and go munch on your Christmas tree.
- In Mexico, wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is said to bring new love in the upcoming year. So don’t forget your red underwear this holiday season and if you don’t have any, now you have something to put on your Christmas list.
Ever wonder where Boxing Day came from? So did we! Here is the history:
What is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is a day the higher classes gave gifts to the lower classes. Before or on December 25th people of similar class would exchange gifts to celebrate the Christmas season. Gifts were not exchanged with the lower class until the next day called Boxing Day. It is also known as St. Stephen’s Day.
Why is the holiday named Boxing Day?
The holiday is named Boxing Day because the tradition of giving gifts of cash, food, clothing and other goods to the less fortunate were placed into boxes for easier transportation. The goods were distributed based on the family needs and their services to the giver.
Who celebrates Boxing Day?
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, and other Commonwealth Countries celebrate Boxing Day on December 26th.
History of Boxing Day
Boxing Day officially began in England in the middle of the 19 century under the rule of Queen Victoria. However, many adults and children do not know the true meaning of Boxing Day and its reasons for celebrating. It was a day to thank the community for all their effort throughout the years. The maids, drivers and other service workers were thanked with gifts of food, money, clothing, and other goods. It is important to teach students how they can contribute to society and to understand not all families are able to provide for their families all of the time.
So Happy Boxing Day too!
