Do You Know All These Random December Things And Holidays?

Posted on by Emily Rokke
Category: Food Facts,Fun Facts,Odd Holidays,Strange History,Strange Stories,Weird Activities,Weird Trends
  • There is no better time to learn them than the month of December!

These December things may surprise you but let me know what’s new or sticks out to you! Like did you know that Jingle Bells wasn’t originally named that?

  1. The astronomical end date for winter is February 28th.
  2. The first types of fake Christmas trees were made of dyed goose feathers and wire.
  3. Hanukkah colors are blue and white, after the Israeli flag.
  4. There are Hanukkah songs like “Ma’oz Tzur” and “I Have a Little Dreidel.”
  5. The Chinese Plum Tree blooms in winter.
  6. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red, and green to symbolize the struggle and future of the African people.
  7. Traditional foods eaten at Kwanzaa are fruits, vegetables and different African dishes.
  8. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga.
  9. Families light a menorah together each night during Hanukkah, which is also why it’s called the Festival of Lights. Did you know about this being December things?
  10. Kwanzaa has lots of dancing, music and storytelling as a part of their traditions.
  11. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
  12. Family members like to exchange gifts during Hanukkah to celebrate the holiday.
  13. The story of Hanukkah is about the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
  14. Monarch butterflies migrate each winter.
  15. The first winter Olympics was in 1924.
  16. Saint Nicholas is the old school name for Santa Claus.
  17. There are nearly 750 different versions of Silent Night.
  18. Hanukkah gelt are chocolate coins given to children as gifts during the Hanukkah season.
  19. The largest snowman was 122 feet tall.
  20. Kwanzaa is a word based on African harvest festivals and has the meaning of first fruits in Swahili.
  21. Kwanzaa started on December 26th and ends on January 1st each year. Did you know this as December things?
  22. The most snow angels at once were made by 8,962 students.
  23. There is an entire day, a total of 24 hours of darkness, at the North Pole.
  24. Jingle Bells was originally named “One Horse Open Sleigh.” Two years later, it was changed to Jingle Bells.
  25. Exchanging gifts at Kwanzaa is a way to show love and unity to others.
  26. Kwanzaa is a week- long celebration honoring African heritage and culture.
  27. The largest bauble ornament as recorded by the Guinness World Record was over 15 feet high in the Dubai Mall.
  28. Jingle Bells was the first song played in space!
  29. During Kwanzaa, some use the kinara, similar to the menorah, but with seven candles.
  30. Hanukkah is usually observed in December. This is one of the most fun of the December things.
  31. The meaning of the word Christmas comes from Cristes Maesse or mass of Christ.
  32. The astronomical start date for winter is December 1st.
  33. Jingle Bells was originally created as a Christmas song.
  34. Christmas was banned for 13 years in England by Oliver Cromwell, a puritan, in 1647.
  35. Hanukkah lasts for eight nights.
  36. At Hanukkah, foods like jelly donuts and potato pancakes are typical. These sound like delicious foods to eat during celebrations of December things.
  37. The menorah (the famous candles used during Hanukkah) has nine candles including one for each night and one “helper” candle.
  38. The skies are more clear and long during the winter, making it the best season for stargazing!

So did you learn something new? Either way, let me know what your favorite December things were in the comments!