With the bells ringing, and lights glittering, from shopping to baking everyone can feel the spirit of Christmas in the
air. According to Gregorian calendar, Christmas is observed on December 25 all over the world. While some
countries celebrate it on January 7 according to Julian calendar, which was created by Romans. Let me tell you
some interesting facts about Christmas
1. SANTA CLAUS
A man after children’s heart, that brings gifts and Toys on the day of Christmas. The tradition of Santa has been
around far longer than anyone can remember.
Saint Nicholas, a bishop from Modern Turkey impacted many lives through his generosity and Kindness. One of the
best known incidents is the time he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery or prostitution by their
father by providing them with a dowry so that they could be married.
Sinter klass, a Dutch name of Saint Nicholas is what we call as Santa Claus in English accent.
• Netherlands was the first country to see the semblance of Santa Claus.
• Santa Claus is not meant for Christmas. A feast is celebrated annually on December 6 to remember the
death of Saint Nicholas.
• Washington Irving, a famous American author popularized Saint Nicholas in a book called “The History of
New York”. The New Yorkers adapted Saint Nicholas day (December 6) and gradually combined them
with the Christmas celebration. Thus Santa is lionized worldwide.
2. THE CHRISTMAS ISLAND
This Island is an Australian territory in Indian Ocean. The first European to sight Christmas Island was Richard
Rowe, in 1615. Captain William mynors named the island when he sailed past it on Christmas day in 1643.
3. COUNTRIES THAT DO NOT CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AND DO NOT HAVE PUBLIC HOLIDAY
• Algeria
• Libya
• North Korea
• Saudi Arabia
• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
Over 160 countries celebrate Christmas largely whereas it is not observed in certain countries due to the fact
of religious believes, laws and culture. People of such countries can celebrate Christmas themselves but not
publicly. There are particular countries that banned Christmas and people who observe it will be imprisoned.
4. THE CHRISTMAS TREE
• The Christmas tree tradition was first originated from Germany.
• Norway donates tree in Trafalgar square, London every year since 1947. They donate the tree in
gratitude for Britain’s support for Norway during World War II.
Christmas
