Christmas Facts
Christmas isn't all about presents and festivities, it's a tapestry woven from centuries of folklore, religious tradition, and commercial flair, making it difficult to separate fact from myth. Many of the most familiar customs have roots that pre-date Christianity itself, originating in ancient winter solstice celebrations across Europe, where people sought to invite the return of the sun by burning logs, feasting, and decorating with evergreens. For example, the use of a Christmas tree is a German custom that became popular in Britain and America during the Victorian era, but its symbolic use of evergreens to represent life in the darkest winter months goes back to ancient Roman and Germanic practices. The holiday's ability to absorb and adapt these older, secular traditions is key to its enduring global appeal.
Other well-known beliefs are surprisingly modern or rooted in common misunderstandings. Contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not specify that Jesus was born on December 25th; this date was chosen by the Roman Catholic Church centuries later, possibly to coincide with existing pagan festivals like Saturnalia and Sol Invictus. Similarly, the familiar image of Santa Claus—the jolly, plump man in a red and white suit—was largely popularized in the early 20th century, notably by Coca-Cola advertising campaigns, evolving from earlier, varied depictions of Saint Nicholas and the British Father Christmas. Understanding these origins reveals that the festive season we celebrate today is less a fixed historical event and more a constantly evolving blend of faith, folklore, and successful marketing. Beware Jingles has been a bit mischevious and mixed a few myths in there as well.
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Fact or Myth: Santa’s reindeer are all male
It's a Myth
Because male reindeer shed antlers by December, the traditional depictions are likely female.
Fact or Myth: Santa has a different number of reindeer in Australia
It's True
Australian versions sometimes show Santa with kangaroos instead of reindeer due to the climate.
Fact or Myth: Mulled wine dates back to ancient Rome
It's True
The Romans heated spiced wine in winter, a tradition that evolved into modern mulled wine.
Fact or Myth: The Christmas pickle is a German tradition
It's a Myth
Though marketed as German, most Germans are unfamiliar with the Christmas pickle ornament.
Fact or Myth: The first televised Christmas speech was in 1957
It's True
Queen Elizabeth II delivered the first televised Christmas broadcast in 1957.
Fact or Myth: The song 'Deck the Halls' is Welsh
It's True
The melody comes from a 16th-century Welsh tune called 'Nos Galan.'
Fact or Myth: Gifts were always wrapped in paper
It's a Myth
Wrapping paper became common only in the 20th century, before which gifts were wrapped in cloth.
Fact or Myth: Coca-Cola’s Santa first appeared in 1931 ads
It's True
The iconic red-suited Santa was solidified in Coca-Cola advertising campaigns beginning in 1931.
Fact or Myth: The Christmas truce happened in WWI
It's True
On Christmas 1914, soldiers along the Western Front declared an unofficial truce, sharing songs and games.
Fact or Myth: Snowmen originated in Canada
It's a Myth
Snowmen have been documented in medieval Europe, not Canada.
Fact or Myth: The first Advent calendar was printed in Germany in 1903
It's True
Gerhard Lang created the first mass-produced Advent calendar for children in 1903.
Fact or Myth: Christmas lights used to be candles
It's True
Before electric lights, people used real candles on Christmas trees despite fire hazards.