December is known around the world as a family time of celebration honoring cultures, religions and traditions that have been with humanity for hundreds of years. See below for a mix of the weird and wonderful facts about this magical month!
- An almanac prediction states that if snow falls on Christmas Day, Easter will be warm, green and sunny.
- The name December comes from the Latin decem for “ten,” as it was the 10th month in the Roman calendar.
- December 12th is Poinsettia Day.
- Saint Nicholas, who would eventually be called Santa Claus, was originally the patron saint of children, thieves and pawnbrokers!
- December 28th is considered by some to be the unluckiest day of the year.
- The first artificial Christmas tree was made in Germany, fashioned out of goose feathers that were dyed green!
- Spiders and spiderwebs are considered good luck on Christmas.
- “Jingle Bells” was composed in 1857, and not for Christmas – it was meant to be a Thanksgiving song!
- In 1647, Oliver Cromwell, English Puritan leader, banned the festivities of Christmas for being immoral on such a holy day. Anyone who was seen celebrating was arrested! The ban was lifted in 1660.
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