This time of year is a great time for many, no matter what holiday we celebrate. But do you know everything about your favorite time of year? I searched for some interesting facts about the holidays and found a few that may surprise you.
Christmas (Facts from RandomHistory.com.)
1. “Christmas trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold.”
2. “Alabama was the first state in the United States to officially recognize Christmas in 1836.”
3. “Christmas wasn’t declared an official holiday in the United States until June 26, 1870.”
4. “President Teddy Roosevelt, an environmentalist, banned Christmas trees from the White House in 1901.”
Hanukkah (Facts from Funology.com.)
1. “In ancient times, oil was used in the menorah. Over time, candles were substituted for the oil.”
2. “Traditionally, Hanukkah is a time when children are encouraged and rewarded for their Torah studies. Consequently, it became fashionable to give the children Hanukkah money and presents during the holiday.”
3. “In Yemen, children went from house to house, tins in hand, to collect wicks for the Hanukkah Menorah.”
4. “During Hanukkah, families eat latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (jelly donuts), or other foods which are fried in oil, to celebrate and commemorate the miracle of the Festival of Lights.”
Kwanzaa (Facts from PBS.org)
1. “The holiday was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate family, culture and heritage, and is modeled after the first harvest celebrations in Africa.”
2. “There are 7 Principles and 7 Primary Symbols that emphasize a unique set of values and ideals during the 7 days of Kwanzaa… also spelled with 7 letters.”
3. “Kwanzaa is rooted in African culture; however, people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds are welcomed to join in the celebration.”
4. “Celebrities who have been known to celebrate Kwanzaa every year include Oprah, Maya Angelou, Chuck D, Angelina Jolie, and Synthia Saint James (who designed the first Kwanzaa postage stamp)”
