Fact 1: Worldwide Christmas Tradition Start
December 24th marks the beginning of Christmas celebrations across the world. In many countries, Christmas Eve is even more significant than Christmas Day, with unique traditions such as lengthy midnight mass ceremonies, lavish feasts, and the opening of presents. The celebrations extend until the early hours of the morning, making it a day filled with joy, cheer, and merriment.
Fact 2: Adams-Onis Treaty Day
On December 24, 1814, the Adams-Onis Treaty was signed between the United States and Spain. This important historical document provided America with rights to Florida, while setting a definitive western boundary for the country. The agreement essentially shaped the future territorial vision of the United States.
Fact 3: Christmas Truce of 1914
The Christmas Truce of 1914, a cease-fire in the midst of World War I, happened on December 24. Soldiers from opposing sides set aside differences in honor of the holiday season, even playing football and exchanging gifts. It's a memorable testament to the peace and goodwill intrinsic to the spirit of Christmas.
Fact 4: The Legendary Track Santa Program
Each year on December 24, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracks Santa's progress around the globe. The tradition started accidentally when a misprint in a 1955 advertisement directed children to call Santa, but reached a military defense hotline instead. To cover up the mistake, operators acted as Santa and a tradition was born.
Fact 5: Nochebuena Celebrations
In Spanish-speaking countries, December 24 is known as Nochebuena which translates to ‘Good Night.' It's a time for family gatherings and feasting. Celebrations often include traditional music, dancing, and the serving of customary dishes such as tamales and bacalao, a codfish stew.
Fact 6: Pinnacle of the Advent Season
December 24th marks the end of the Advent season in the Christian calendar. Advent, which means "coming" in Latin, is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of Jesus's birth and for the second coming of Christ.
Fact 7: Setting Up the Christmas Manger
In the Christian tradition, especially within Catholic and some Protestant denominations, the nativity scene or the manger is set up on December 24. The final figure, representing Baby Jesus, is placed in the manger on this night, completing the scene.
Fact 8: National Eggnog Day
Surprisingly, December 24th is also National Eggnog Day in the United States. This holiday favorite drink, made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, is spiced with flavors like nutmeg, cinnamon, and for the adults, a splash of spirits. It’s a creamy staple at many American holiday celebrations.
Fact 9: The Birth of Howard Hughes
American business mogul, investor, record-setting pilot, engineer, film director, and philanthropist, Howard Hughes was born on December 24. His significant influence on the aviation industry, Hollywood, and the public imagination makes his birth anniversary an interesting highlight of the date.
Fact 10: Crab Feast in Japan
In Japan, it’s a popular tradition to have Kurisumasu ni wa kani (Christmas crab) on December 24. Dozens of crabs are consumed every year during the holiday season, making it a unique culinary tradition associated with the day.
Fact 11: Washington Crossing the Delaware River
George Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware River took place on the night of December 24-25 during the American Revolutionary War. This strategic military maneuver, depicted famously in several paintings, led to a significant victory for the Continental Army.
Fact 12: First Orbit of an Astronaut Around Earth
December 24, 1968, provided a memorable Christmas Eve event when the Apollo 8 spacecraft successfully completed the first manned orbit around the moon. Astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders became the first humans to witness the far side of the moon and Earthrise in space.
Fact 13: Launch of the Mars Rover, Sojourner
On December 24, 1996, NASA's Mars Pathfinder mission, which included the Sojourner Rover, launched into space. The successful mission gathered valuable information about the Martian climate and geology, marking a significant step in the exploration of Mars.
Fact 14: Peak Day for Candle Fires in US
Interestingly, December 24 has the highest number of candle fires in the United States. As festive decorations and candle usage increase during the holiday season, safety should be a priority to prevent any incidents.
Fact 15: Night of the Radishes in Mexico
Every December 24, Oaxaca, Mexico holds its annual "Night of the Radishes" event, which features intricate carvings from radishes. The carvings often depict nativity scenes and other Christmas-themed imagery.
Fact 16: International Candles on Graves Day
In honour of loved ones passed, every December 24 is recognized by some as International Candles on Graves Day. People worldwide light a candle and place it on the graves of deceased family members and friends as a remembrance tradition.
Fact 17: National Chocolate Day
For all the chocoholics out there, December 24 is also National Chocolate Day. The idea is to indulge and enjoy the taste of this delightful sweet treat, making it seem like Christmas came a day early for chocolate lovers.
Fact 18: A Visit from St. Nicholas Publication Date
The famous Christmas poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas", more commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas," was first published anonymously on December 24, 1823 in the Troy, New York newspaper, the Sentinel.
Fact 19: Record Breaking Online Shopping Day
December 24 is also the day with the highest number of last-minute online gift purchases. Online shopping giants see a significant spike in sales as people scramble to buy last-minute Christmas presents.
Fact 20: First Living Creature to Orbit the Earth
In 1968, the first manned mission to orbit the moon was launched. However, did you know that the first living creature to orbit the Earth did so on December 24, 1968? A delicious Christmas meal of cookies and milk was launched into space on this day, along with a little mouse named Amos, who circled the Earth while children on Earth followed his adventure in their comic strips.