Holiday Fun Facts
Did you know that Christmas trees were originally decorated with apples and candles?
In Japan, it’s a tradition to eat KFC for Christmas dinner.
The world’s largest snowflake, measuring 15 inches in diameter, was recorded in Montana.
Santa Claus has different names around the world, including Father Christmas and Kris Kringle.
The first Christmas card was created in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole in England.
Americans send an average of 1.6 billion holiday cards each year.
The tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace originated from the story of St. Nicholas.
Iceland celebrates 13 different Santas, each with their own unique characteristics.
The tradition of exchanging gifts during Christmas dates back to Roman times.
The largest-ever snow maze was constructed in 2015 in Warren, Vermont, covering 14,000 square feet.
In Ukraine, it is believed that finding a spider web on Christmas morning brings good luck.
The world’s largest gingerbread house was made in 2013 and measured 60 feet long.
Jingle Bells was originally written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas.
The tradition of mistletoe dates back to ancient times and symbolizes love and friendship.
The average American consumes around 7,000 calories on Christmas Day.
The record for the most lights on a residential property during Christmas is 601,7
In Finland, it is tradition to visit a sauna on Christmas Eve.
Holiday Fun Facts part 2
The world’s largest menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum, is displayed in New York City.
Christmas pudding was originally a soup made with raisins and wine.
The world’s largest outdoor ice rink covers the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Canada.
The origin of the Christmas stocking can be traced back to the story of St. Nicholas and three sisters.
In Slovakia, it is customary to throw a spoonful of lokše (potato pancake) on the ceiling. If it sticks, good luck is ensured for the coming year.
The world’s largest collection of Santa Claus figurines is owned by Jean-Guy Laquerre from Canada.
The tallest Christmas tree ever displayed was 221 feet tall and stood in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
The largest gathering of Santas occurred in 2014 in Derry City, Northern Ireland, with 372 participants.
In Italy, it is traditional to serve a feast of fish on Christmas Eve, known as the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
The tradition of kissing under mistletoe originated in ancient Greece.
The world’s largest snowball fight took place in Seattle, Washington, in 2013, with over 5,800 participants.
In Germany, it is customary to hide a pickle ornament in the Christmas tree. The first child to find it receives an extra gift.
The largest-ever gingerbread village was made in 2012 and had over 1,200 houses.
The world’s largest Advent calendar was displayed in Leipzig, Germany, and had 71 windows.
In Catalonia, Spain, it is traditional to incorporate a figurine of a defecating man, known as a Caganer, in the nativity scene.
The first artificial Christmas tree was created using dyed goose feathers in Germany in the 19th century.
In Scotland, it is customary to observe the tradition of first-footing, where the first person to enter a home after midnight on New Year’s Eve brings good luck for the coming year.
The tradition of exchanging gifts during Hanukkah originated from the story of the oil that miraculously burned for eight days.
The world’s largest snow maze is located in Warren, Vermont, and covers an area of 54,000 square feet.
The largest-ever snow angel was made in Bismarck, North Dakota, in 2007 and measured 37,505 square feet.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree weighs approximately 12 tons and is adorned with over 50,000 LED lights.
In Sweden, it is traditional to watch the Disney special Donald Duck and His Friends Wish You a Merry Christmas on Christmas Eve.
The tradition of leaving milk and cookies for Santa Claus originated from Dutch folklore.
The world’s largest snowball fight took place in Saskatoon, Canada, in 2016, with over 7,000 participants.
In Greece, it is traditional to hang a wooden cross above the front door to ward off evil spirits during the Christmas season.
The world’s largest snow maze is located in Warren, Vermont, and covers an area of 54,000 square feet.
In Mexico, it is customary to celebrate the holiday season with nine consecutive nights of Posadas, reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem.
The world’s largest Christmas stocking was created in London in 2007 and measured 106 feet long.