The festive season is upon us. It’s trying to snow and the bets are on for a White Christmas. As we prepare to enjoy the festive break and prepare for 2019, So Clean would like to wish it’s customers a very Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year.
Merry Christmas
For this post, we wanted to try and dip into some actual facts for Christmas. Here are our list of Top Facts and Top Myths for Christmas here in the UK.
Fact 1
We celebrate Christmas Day on the 25th of December. This is supposed to mark the birth of Jesus Christ but interestingly, there is no mention of December 25 in the bible and most historians believe he was born in the spring.
History shows that December 25 was popularized as the date for Christmas, not because Christ was born on that day, but because it was already popular in pagan religious celebrations as the birthday of the sun.
More info if you are interested here
Fact 2
Why do we give presents at Christmas? It is the most popular of all festivals among Christians and many non-Christians alike and the giving of gifts at Christmas, symbolizes the gifts given to Jesus by the 3 wise men (Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh)
Fact 3
Throughout Europe, Christmas Gifts are often left in shoes or boots put out by the children.
In Italy, the UK and the USA presents are left in stockings, often left hanging by a fireplace.
In many countries, presents for friends and family may be left under the Christmas Tree. In the UK, they are often opened on Christmas day morning with all the family together.
Fact 4
Not everyone opens their presents on the 25th. The earliest presents are opened on St. Nicholas’ Eve (December 5th) when children in Holland receive their presents.
On St. Nicholas’ Day (6th December) children in Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic and some other European countries open some of their presents.
Fact 5
Another Christmas tradition stemming from Saturnalia was the Christmas tree.
Prince Albert introduced the Christmas Tree to the UK by presenting one to Queen Victoria in 1848, as per the sketch below. After this, tradition took hold and the tree remains deeply rooted in festivities here to this day.
Fact 6
Some people say Coca-Cola came up with the red suit! However, a Thomas Nast Santa, from 1881, is clearly seen wearing the modern Santa suit. Read more at Wiki
Fact 7
Santa Claus comes from St. Nicholas, a Christian bishop living in (what is now) Turkey in the fourth century AD. Nicholas gave away his abundant inheritance to help the needy. He also was known for good deeds like rescuing sisters from prostitution. Read more here
Fact 8
“Silent Night” is the most recorded Christmas song in history, with over 733 different versions copyrighted since 1978
Whether you believe or not, it doesn’t matter. Have fun and be jolly but take a moment to think about someone else. For many, Christmas is the happiest time of the year. For others, it’s the loneliest. Be kind and spare a thought or do something good to help someone else this Christmas.
