Christmas is coming! And with that, so is mulled wine, mince pies, Santa hats, presents, Christmas trees and more.
There are so many traditions associated with Christmas and if we’re not making the most of them, we’re a Baa Humbug.
But as we order our Christmas turkey and put the lights on the tree, it’s interesting to think about some facts of Christmas that we don’t know.
In fact, we’ve collected 12 interesting Christmas facts (12 being the number of the 12 days of Christmas!) for you to indulge in.
The pleasure is ours. ‘Tis the season of giving, after all.
If you want to be the winner of your dinner table trivia, read on for our 12 interesting dinner table trivia facts about the (oh so magical!)…Christmas.
Let’s start with the most iconic Christmas tree in the UK…the Christmas tree of Trafalgar Square.
Most of us have had the honour of seeing this Christmas tree in its full glory in the centre of London and have probably made a special visit to see it in December.
The interesting fact about this significant tree is that it is donated every year by the people of Oslo in Norway to the UK for the country’s support in World War II.
And it is not just any old Norwegian tree…
It is a 50 to 60 year old Norway spruce that is HUGE at over 20 metre tall.
It has been displayed in Trafalgar Square since 1947 and is put up at the beginning of December and taken down on 6th January.
So, yes, we do have our incredible ancestors to thank for this generous gift from Norway. The ultimate Christmas gift of remembrance…
Does your home become tinseltastic at Christmas? Or are you a fan of a subtle smattering on your Christmas tree?
Whatever your answer, it appears that tinsel is a legendary Christmas decoration. And it has been around since 1610!
It was initially made in Nuremberg in Germany of actual shredded silver.
How glam!
Santa was first used in a promotional advert by Coca-Cola.
And this advert shaped the appearance of the “Santa” we’re familiar with today.
Before Coca-Cola started using Santa in their advertisements in the 1920s and 30s (Most significantly, their advert in 1931). Santa was depicted in a number of ways.
In 2001, Coca Cola animated Santa for their advert too.
The alternative name for a Christmas Tree is a Yule-Tree.
We’re not sure we’re going to be using the alternative version though…
Hallmark cards have to be one of the most well-known Christmas cards and they have, in fact, been around since 1915.
The company was founded only 5 years before by Joyce Hall and is located in Kansas City, Missouri in the US.
Hallmark cards weren’t the first Christmas cards though. The first Christmas card was, in fact, sent in 1843 by John Calcott Horsley for a friend.
When we refer to “Christmas” as “Xmas”, apparently the “X” comes from the Greek meaning of “X” of Christ.
X-ceptional.
The first Christmas stamp was introduced by the US in 1962. It was green and red and apparently featured a wreath and candles.
This fact is one about Japan and takes us from the interesting… to the downright weird.
Apparently, for Japanese people it is a tradition to spend Christmas Eve at KFC. And this is so popular, they need to book their seats a couple of months in advance.
Over 3 and a half million Japanese people flock to KFC over Christmas to indulge in the brand’s fried chicken.
Wow. And there we were thinking the Victorian Bird was a festive treat.
Want to know the best-selling Christmas song of all time?
Well, here it is.
“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby.
Well, it is a few years ahead of Carey’s “All I want for Christmas” after all.
Sales of “White Christmas” have reached over 50 million.
A King was crowned on Christmas Day in 1066!
Said King, being King William I of England.
Now if that fact doesn’t win your Dinner table Trivia, we’ll eat our (Santa) hats…
HOH OHO is the actual postal (zip) code of Santa. And it is based in Canada.
Many children will get a reply too!
In 2012, over 1 million children sent a letter to HOH OHO.
The first Christmas was celebrated in 1539 in America.
And it most certainly wasn’t a white Christmas. In fact, it happened on the sandy beaches of Florida!
It was not full of the festive traditions we’re used to nowadays, it was more of a religious service or gathering.
Most like a Christmas Mass that can be attended nowadays.
No Christmas Trees. No presents.
We’re glad a bit of festive cheer has been thrown into the occasion!
In fact, we love festivities here at Bowood and go the extra-mile when it comes to the most wonderful time of the year!
We are proud of our luxury Christmas breaks, festive dining and Christmas Party Nights.
And, of course, we don’t do things by half!
Whether you are looking for a Pre-Christmas break, a Twixmas getaway or a New Years Eve party, you’ll find the perfect Christmas celebration for you at Bowood.
From relaxing in our infinity pool and Xmas food indulgence, to late-night dancing and Champagne bubbles, we’ve got Christmas cheer for all tastes.
