Hey kids! Christmas is such a magical time of year, filled with lights, fun, and yummy treats. But did you know there are some cool facts about Christmas that you might not have heard before? Get ready to discover5 christmas facts you didn t know for kids
1. Christmas Cards Started in 1843 – Here’s the Story!
Imagine sending a card with a picture of people celebrating Christmas – but the first Christmas card ever sent looked very different. Back in 1843, a man named Henry Cole sent the first Christmas card. It showed a family having a holiday feast, but it wasn’t all about snow and Santa like the cards we see today. Now, Christmas cards are one of the most popular ways to share holiday cheer!
2. Reindeer Can Run Really Fast!
Did you know that Santa’s reindeer can run up to 50 miles per hour? That’s faster than most cars on the road! So if you ever wonder how Santa manages to visit so many houses in one night, now you know – his reindeer are super speedy!
3. Christmas Wasn’t Always on December 25th
Most people celebrate Christmas on December 25th, but did you know that Christmas wasn’t always on that date? Early Christians didn’t know exactly when Jesus was born, so they picked December 25th as the day to celebrate. It was chosen because it’s close to the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, which means it’s the perfect time to bring light and joy!
4. Santa Wasn’t Always a Jolly Old Man
You might think of Santa as the big jolly guy in a red suit with a white beard, but that’s a relatively new look for him! Santa Claus originally looked a bit different. In the 1800s, he was shown as a thin man with a long, pointy beard. It wasn’t until Coca-Cola made Santa their mascot in the 1930s that he became the chubby, cheerful guy we all know and love today.
5. The Christmas Tree Tradition Began in Germany
Do you love decorating your Christmas tree? Well, you can thank Germany for that tradition! The first decorated Christmas tree was put up in Germany in the 16th century. People used candles (yes, real candles!) to light up the tree, and they added ornaments like apples, nuts, and gingerbread. Today, we hang up sparkly lights and shiny baubles, but it all started with the German tradition.
Christmas is full of surprises, and learning these fun facts makes it even more exciting! Next time you hang up a stocking or decorate the tree, you’ll know a little more about where these fun traditions come from.