10 curiosities about Christmas

As the year draws to a close, millions of people around the world eagerly await this period to put up decorations, colorful lights, delicious food, pleasant music and exciting gifts.

But beyond these, how much do we know about Christmas, now transformed into a super fun holiday? National Geographic presents 10 curiosities about Christmas:

1. Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe was the son of God. For most people, the feast takes place every year on December 25, the day the Roman Catholic Church chose to mark Jesus' birthday. But, in fact, no one knows the exact date of Jesus' birth.

2. Not all Christians celebrate Christmas on the same day. In countries with large populations of Orthodox Christians, such as Russia, Ukraine and Romania, Christmas Day falls on January 7. Some Greek Orthodox Christians also celebrate Christmas on January 7.

3. The name "Christmas" comes from the old English phrase Cristes maesse, which means "Mass of Christ". But what about 'Christmas'? Many people think this is just a modern day abbreviation, but it actually dates back to the 16th century. The "X" is said to represent the Greek letter "Chi", the first letter in the Greek word for Christ, Χριστός (pronounced "Christos").

4. Many of the festive traditions we have today first arose in the Victorian era, such as Christmas cards, presents and traditional foods such as pies and roast turkey.

5. Christmas trees were first seen in 16th century Germany, where people decorated the fir trees with fruit and nuts, later with sweets, paper forms and candles. But historians think the origins of this festive tradition can be traced back to the ancient Romans and Egyptians, who used evergreens and wreaths as symbols of eternal life.

6. Every year Norway sends a beautiful Christmas tree to London, where it is decorated with lights in Trafalgar Square. The 20 meter tall tree is a thank you gift for the help the UK gave to Norway during the Second World War.

7. We can't talk about Christmas without mentioning the big-bearded, rosy-cheeked jolly man: Santa Claus. But have you ever wondered how Santa Claus got his name? It is from Sinterklaas, which means Saint Nicholas in Dutch. Saint Nicholas was a Christian bishop who lived in the 4th century – known for being kind and generous, he later became the patron saint of children.

8. Santa isn't the only Christmas character. There are many others around the world. In Italy, for example, a kind witch called La Befana is said to fly on a broomstick distributing toys to children. And in Iceland, children leave shoes under the window for 13 mischievous trolls called Yule Lads. If the child has been good, they will find sweets in their shoes, but if they have been bad, the star boys will leave them a rotten potato.
9. We all love to sing along to Jingle Bells, but have you ever noticed that the song doesn't mention Christmas, Jesus or Santa Claus? That's because it wasn't originally a Christmas song. In fact, the cheerful hymn was written in 1850, entitled "One Horse Open Sleigh", for the American holiday, Thanksgiving.

10. Now, imagine if there was no Christmas. Would it seem rather strange? Well, believe it or not, in 1644 Christmas celebrations were made illegal in England, and soon after, in the English colonies in America as well. At that time, members of the government felt that the religious meaning of Christmas had been forgotten, and so they stopped celebrating the holidays. Some people celebrated in secret until Christmas became legal again almost 20 years later. (A2 Televizion)