1. Festivus for The Rest of Us
The idea for this unique holiday came from a Seinfeld episode on December 23, 1997. Festivus is a parody holiday created as an alternative to the pressures and commercialism of the Christmas season, including "Airing of Grievances" and "Feats of Strength".
2. Human Solidarity Day
Every year on December 23rd, the United Nations celebrates International Human Solidarity Day, a day to celebrate unity in diversity and to remind governments of their commitments to international agreements on the need for human solidarity as an initiative to fight poverty.
3. A Day For The Roots
The Japanese celebrate a holiday called "Emperor's Birthday" on December 23rd. It is a national holiday that celebrates the birthday of the reigning emperor, which is currently Emperor Naruhito.
4. The Birth of Joseph Smith
Important in the history of the Latter-Day Saint movement, founder Joseph Smith was born on December 23, 1805. He would go on to establish the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and his birth is commemorated by followers worldwide.
5. The Night of the Radishes
In Oaxaca, Mexico, the locals celebrate "The Night of the Radishes" every December 23rd. This unique tradition involves carving oversized radishes into intricate scenes and figures – a true testament of creativity and acknowledging the local agricultural produce.
6. Historical Release of "A Visit from St. Nicholas"
The famous poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" or better known as "Twas the Night Before Christmas" was first published on December 23rd in 1823 in the Troy Sentinel newspaper, an important slice of Christmas culture and history.
7. Foundation of the Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve, the central banking system of the United States, was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson on December 23rd, 1913. Its function is to provide the country with a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system.
8. Debut of Transformers: Robots in Disguise
Fan of the Transformers franchise? December 23rd saw the original animated television series make its debut in Japan in the year 2000. Robots in Disguise was well-loved by fans around the world.
9. Days Until The New Year
December 23rd is significant as it marks exactly 9 days until the start of the New Year. It's often a day for reflection and planning ahead for the New Year's celebrations.
10. The Start of Capricorn Season
In astrology, December 23rd marks the start of the Capricorn Zodiac sign. Capricorns are known for their ambition, conscientiousness, and practical nature.
11. Vincent Van Gogh Cut Off His Ear
In a notorious episode, distressed post-impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh, self-amputated his ear on December 23, 1888, following a quarrel with fellow painter Paul Gauguin.
12. Christmas Flood
December 23rd, 1717, saw one of the deadliest North Sea floods in history, known as the "Christmas Flood". Parts of Denmark, Germany, and Holland were hit hard, with an estimated death toll of approximately 14,000.
13. Time of the Great Conjunction
The Great Conjunction, a rarity in space where Jupiter and Saturn align, was observed on December 23rd in 1623. This event was highly anticipated by astronomers all over the world.
14. Launch of Luna 1
On December 23, 1958, Luna 1, the first spacecraft to reach the vicinity of the Earth's Moon, and the first spacecraft to be placed in heliocentric orbit, was launched by the Soviet Union.
15. The Hong Kong Flu
The "Hong Kong Flu" pandemic began in Hong Kong on December 23, 1968. Eventually, it spread across the globe and led to an estimated one million deaths worldwide.
16. An Inauguration in the Netherlands
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands was inaugurated on December 23, 1840, a significant event in Dutch history.
17. Meteorological Start of Winter
Contrary to popular dial settings, December 23rd is often considered the meteorological start of winter. Astronomical winter usually starts on December 21, but meteorological seasons are divided based on the annual temperature cycle for practical purposes.
18. VP Andrew Johnson's Birthday
The 17th President of the United States, Andrew Johnson, was born on December 23, 1808. Known for his controversial policies that led to his impeachment, his birth is a notable event in American history.
19. Earth's Perihelion
Historically, the Earth's perihelion, the position in its orbit when it is closest to the Sun, occurred annually on December 23rd, though presently it occurs in early January due to slow shift over centuries.
20. Pearl S. Buck's Nobel Prize
Legendary writer Pearl S. Buck received her Nobel Prize in Literature on December 23, 1938; she was the first American woman to win this prestigious award.