7 Interesting Facts on Christmas Week

Do you know why Santa Claus comes down the chimney?  Or do you have any idea that where did the word Christmas come from? Or from where did the idea of hanging stockings come?  If no, then we have curated a list of interesting facts about Christmas for you. Read on to know more:

1. The word Christmas comes from the word Christes Maesse or Christ’s Mass in Old English. This word was first recorded in the year 1123. The term “X-mas” generates from Greece. The Greek symbol “X” represents Christ and thus, Christmas is also referred as X-mas.

2. The concept of Santa Claus is loosely based on the Bishop of Myra St. Nicholas who was born around the year 270. He gave anonymous gifts to impoverished kids, particularly during the night. After his death, he was canonised as the patron saint of the children.

3. An 1809 satire “A History of New York” written by Washington Irving first described Santa Claus as a pipe smoking bearded man who slides down the chimneys to distribute gifts. From there, the idea of Santa coming down the chimney developed further.

4. The tradition of hanging stockings during Christmas comes from the Old Dutch custom of leaving food in stockings for the donkeys of St. Nicholas. In return, St. Nicholas put small gifts in them.

5. Do you know that the song “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving Day? James Pierpont wrote this song in 1857 and was called “One horse open Sleigh.”

6. The Candy Cane is one of the most popular symbols of Christmas. It dates back to the year 1670 when it first appeared in Europe. It appeared in the USA during the 1800s. The shape resembles the hook that Jesus used to shepherd his lambs and the white and red stripes symbolise the purity and the sacrifice of Christ. The candy cane gained popularity in the mid-1990s.

7. Christmas is celebrated all around the world, including India. Christmas in India is celebrated with much vigour. The Windamere hotel, the only authentic colonial hotel in Darjeeling celebrates Christmas week from December 20th -31st. Famous entertainers from the West End Theatre District in London are invited to charm the audience with their performance. Christmas week at The Windamere is celebrated in the same way since 1939 and still maintains the warmth of a good old house party from the Raj days.