Knoxweb is really getting into the Christmas spirit, and with just three weeks to go until the most popular holiday of the year, thought it would be fun to share some little known Christmas facts.
You may be surprised to learn that Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer didn’t start out as a children’s animated television series. The star of the popular show was actually created by Montgomery Ward as a way to entice Christmas shoppers. The department store hired copywriter Robert L. May in 1939 to write the short story. His brother in law loved the story so much that he wrote a song about it, which was then recorded by Burl Ives in 1949. Rudolph’s red nose almost didn’t happen either, as red noses were a sign of alcoholism. Montgomery Ward was afraid that their little reindeer would look like a drunk.
Speaking of favorite Christmas fictional characters, Frosty the Snowman was created long before the popular song was written in 1950. In fact, the jolly snowman was originally used to advertise whiskey back in 1890. The snowman was such a hit that other alcohol companies, such as Schlitz, Jack Daniel’s, Chivas, and Regal used him as well after Prohibition.
Those upside down Christmas trees that have been popping up lately are certainly not new. In fact, upside down Christmas trees were used back in the 7th century to represent the Holy Trinity. By the time the 12th century rolled around it had become a custom, especially in Europe. Fast forward to the 1950’s when department stores starting hanging Christmas trees upside down to make room for more merchandise.
The evergreen branches that are so popular today were used during the winter solstice to remind people that green plants would again grow in the spring when the Sun Gods were prevalent once again.
The Germans first introduced people to artificial Christmas trees using dyed goose feathers. The Germans were also the first to bring the trees indoors during the holidays decorating the evergreens and the artificial trees with lights and cookies.
Most people are used to Santa being dressed in a bright red suit. However, Santa was originally always seen in blue, green, and white. It wasn’t until Coca Cola came up with a Christmas campaign for the popular beverage in 1930, that Santa starting wearing red.
On Christmas Eve in Norway after Christmas dinner and opening presents, yes, the Norwegians open their presents on the night before Christmas, families hide every broom in the house, as Norwegians believe that mischievous spirits and witches would come out after everyone went to bed to jump on the brooms and go for a ride.
In Japan, fried Chicken is the popular meal for Christmas Day, which would explain why KFC is so busy with people even placing their fried chicken orders in advance.
The world’s largest Christmas present is the Statue of Liberty, which was given to the United States from France in 1886. Weighing in at more than 225 tons, it stands as a symbol of freedom.
This Christmas while you are shopping, decorating, wrapping presents and baking Knoxweb would like you to take a moment to remember the real reason that we celebrate Christmas and that is the birth of Christ.
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