Fun Facts About Christmas!

 

With Christmas just round the corner, it's time to be in a festive mood and think things the Christmas-way. It is that time of the year, again, when everything turns sweet and nostalgic, a time to remember loved ones, a time when wishes could come true, and yes, a time that holds something special for everyone.

 

I was pleasantly surprised to find these cool Christmas facts from author Margaret Brownley's December newsletter and I'd love to share it with you guys and hope you enjoy it.

Oh no!  Scientists think that Rudolph's red nose might be caused by a parasitic infection of the respiratory system.

Speaking of Rudolph:The story of Santa's 9th reindeer was created by Robert L. May in 1939 as a giveaway coloring booklet for Montgomery Ward.

Some historians say that the new trend of hanging Christmas trees upside-down is really more traditional.  In the 1500s trees were hung upside-down to represent the Holy Trinity.

 

During World War II, the Bicycle playing card company secretly made  special decks for the U.S. government.  The decks were sent to American POWs in German camps as Christmas gifts. When the cards were moistened, they peeled apart revealing a map of escape routes. 

 

For a "green" Christmas put up a real tree. A fake tree would have to be reused for 20 years to be "greener" than a real tree.   Even then, there's all that plastic or metal ending up in landfills.   Oh, my... 

 

When Denny's decided to close its restaurants for the first time ever during the Christmas of 1986 they ran across some unexpected problems.  Designed to stay open twenty-four hours a day, some restaurants were built without  locks.  Others couldn't find the keys. 

The tradition of writing to Santa started in 1871 when Harper's Weekly published a cartoon by Thomas Nest showing Santa sitting at his desk reading letters. 

The most requested gift last year was an Apple iPad.  One of the most requested items during the 1800s was an....apple.

Jingle Bells was the first song to be performed in outer space.

Blame it on the war: The long shopping spree before Christmas began when relatives of soldiers posted overseas during the Second World War were encouraged to mail gifts early.

The 3 stages of man

He believes in Santa Claus.  

He doesn't believe in Santa Claus.

He IS Santa Claus!

EIGHT GIFTS THAT DON'T COST A CENT

This simple checklist can help measure how you are nurturing your relationships.

The Gift of Listening

But you must really listen. Don't interrupt, don't daydream, don't plan your response. Just listen.

The Gift of Affection

Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

The Gift of Laughter

Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

The Gift of Solitude

There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

The Gift of a Favor

Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

The Gift of a Written Note

It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime.

The Gift of a Compliment

A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job," or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition

The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone.

6 WEEKS 6 MONTHS 6 YEARS

Dating Process

6 weeks: "I love U, I love U, I love U."

6 months: "Of course I love U."

6 years: "GOD, if I didn't love U, then why the hell did I propose?"

Back From Work

6 weeks: "Honey, I'm home."
6 months: "BACK!"
6 years: "What did your mom cook for us today?"

Gifts
6 weeks: "Honey, I really hope you liked the ring."
6 months: "I bought you a painting; it would fit the motif in the living room."
6 years: "Here's the money. Buy yourself something."

Phone Ringing

6 weeks: "Baby, somebody wants you on the phone."
6 months: "Here, for you."
6 years: "PHONE RINGING."

Cooking

6 weeks: "I never knew food could taste so good!"
6 months: "What are we having for dinner tonight?"
6 years: "AGAIN!"

Apology

6 weeks: "Honey muffin, don't you worry, Ill never hold this against you."
6 months: "Watch out! Don't do it again."
6 years: "What's not to understand about what I just said?"

New Dress

6 weeks: "Oh my God, you look like an angel in that dress."
6 months: "You bought a new dress again?"
6 years: "How much did THAT cost me?"

Planning For Vacations

6 weeks: "How do 2 weeks in Vienna or anywhere you please sound?"
6 months: "What's so bad about going to Istanbul on a charter plane?"
6 years: "Travel? What's so bad about staying home?"

TV

6 weeks: "Baby, what would you like us to watch tonight?"
6 months: "I like this movie."
6 years: "I'm going to watch ESPN, if you're not in the mood, go to bed, I can stay up by myself."