A helpful snowman full of Weird Christmas facts. Digital art by Jack and Kitty Norton.

10 Weird Christmas Facts You Never Knew!

Explore the secrets behind your favorite Christmas traditions in our latest blog post full of weird Christmas facts you never knew! 🎄🌟✨

✅ Listen to 10 Weird Christmas Facts You Never Knew on our podcast. We release new episodes of Travel with Jack and Kitty every day! Subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. 🎙️❤️


Quick Summary

Discover the hidden wonders of Christmas traditions, history, and facts. 🎅✨

  • Explore the origins of Christmas trees and Rockefeller Center’s tree history.
  • Uncover surprising details about classic Christmas movies and songs.
  • Delve into the quirky histories of Rudolph, mistletoe, and the evolution of Christmas celebrations.

9+ Weird Christmas Facts You Never Knew

Hey, it’s Kitty! My hubby Jack and I love Christmas…especially living in snowy Minnesota, where everyday looks like a scene from your favorite Hallmark movie! Today, I thought it’d be fun to share with you some weird Christmas facts. How many of these do you know?

1. The Origin of Christmas Trees

Did you know the tradition of the Christmas tree started in 16th-century Germany? Families would set up trees and decorate them with lighted candles. Imagine the cozy, warm glow! 🕯️

2. Rockefeller Center’s Humble Beginnings

The first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 1931 was a small, undecorated tree. Today, it’s a grand spectacle with over 50,000 LED lights! Talk about a glow-up! 🌲✨

3. Christmas Movies: Surprising Facts

“It’s a Wonderful Life,” a holiday favorite, was actually a box-office flop at first. And did you know Tom Hanks played six roles in “The Polar Express”? 🎅

4. Elf on the Shelf’s Original Name

The Elf on the Shelf tradition started with an elf named Fisbee in the 1970s. This little elf has become a holiday staple in many homes. 🎁

5. The Real Title of a Christmas Classic

“‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” is actually titled “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” A single line can change everything! 📖

Get a free download of Kitty Norton's "White Christmas" as a thank you for visiting.
Grab your FREE audio of Kitty singing Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas”. Visit: https://jackandkitty.ck.page/white-christmas

6. Christmas in Space and Song Records

“Jingle Bells” was the first song played in space, and Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” is the best-selling single ever. 🚀🎶 Talk about holiday hits! 🔔

7. Rudolph’s Marketing Origins

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first appeared in a 1939 Montgomery Ward coloring book. 🔴 From marketing to Christmas icon! 🦌

✔ Read more: Today in Minnesota History

8. Mistletoe’s Mythical Roots

Kissing under the mistletoe might date back to Norse mythology. This romantic tradition has ancient origins. 💋🌿

9. Christmas: Once Banned, Now Beloved

Christmas wasn’t always celebrated. It was even banned in the mid-17th century. 🚫➡️❤️ Now, it’s a global festivity. 🌍

✔ Read more: Give the Gift of Local

10. The Real Busiest Shopping Days

Forget Black Friday; the Friday and Saturday before Christmas are the busiest shopping days. 🛍️ Last-minute gifts, anyone? 🎁

We hope you loved these quirky Christmas facts. Remember, there’s always more to discover about the holidays. Happy exploring and happy holidays! 🌟🎉

 Don’t miss out! Listen to today’s podcast episode, 10 Weird Christmas Facts You Never Knew – where we go even deeper into this story. Remember, we release new episodes of Travel with Jack and Kitty every day! Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. 🎙️❤️

Listen on YouTube

10 Weird Christmas Facts You Never Knew: Odd Trivia and Fun Holiday Traditions [AUDIO]
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