The Christmas Truce of 1914.
During World War I, soldiers from opposing sides of the conflict (British and German) spontaneously declared an unofficial ceasefire along the Western Front. Men from both sides of the fighting met in no man’s land where they exchanged gifts (usually types of tobacco or food), they sang Christmas carols and even played a game of football in the snow. This truce occurred five months after the start of the War in July 1914 and serves as a brief moment of peace and humanity in a world ravaged by war.
William the Conqueror’s Coronation.
On December 25th 1066, William the Conqueror was crowned the King of England at Westminster Abbey. This event marked the Norman conquest of England, a pivotal moment in English History that brought significant changed to the language, culture and social structure.
Charlemagne’s Coronation.
On Christmas Day 800AD, Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III in St Peter’s Basilica, Rome. This event marked a significant point in European history uniting the Germanic people, of which Charlemagne was the king, and the Roman people which would create the foundation for the Holy Roman Empire.
Apollo 8 Mission.
On Christmas Eve in 1968, the Apollo 8 mission became the first manned spacecraft to orbit the moon. Astronauts read from the Book of Genesis as they transmitted live images of the Earth rising above the lunar horizon.
George Washing Crossed the Delaware.
On Christmas day 1776, George Washington led his troops across the icy Delaware River in order to launch a surprise attack on the Hessian soldiers in Trenton, New Jersey. This move boosted the morale of the Continental Army and marked a turning point in the American War of Independence from the British.
Christmas as we know it is a Christian festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. In truth the 25th of December was picked by the Roman Catholic Church as no one actually knows the real birthday of Jesus.
Not all Christians celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December. In Orthodox Christian countries, such as Russia and Romania, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th.
Christmas trees became popular in Victorian Britain after being introduced to the country by Prince Albert. However bringing in an evergreen tree can be traced back all the way to the ancient Egyptians, who would decorate their homes during the winter solstice to signify that spring would return.
The red coat image we know as Santa Claus was first used by the Coca Cola company as a winter promotion. Prior to that he was traditionally seen with a green coat.
Sir Henry Cole produced and sent the first Christmas card in 1843.
Rudolph should be portrayed without antlers, as male reindeers shed them in the winter.
The amount of wrapping paper used in the UK alone each Christmas is enough to cover the island of Guernsey!
‘White Christmas’ by Bing Crosby is the bestselling Christmas song of all time.
Every year Norway sends a 20m tall Christmas tree to London, where it is decorated and placed in Trafalgar Square. This tradition is a gift from Norway to the UK as a thank you for the help provided during World War II.