1959 – The Day The Music Died: Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and Pilot Roger Peterson crashed in a cornfield near Clear Lake, Iowa.
1943 – Four Chaplains Memorial Day (in honor of George Fox, Alexander Goode, Clark Poling, and John Washington). Each gave their life belts to other sailors when the SS Dorchester was torpedoed near Greenland.
February 3 is Sesame Street’s Elmo’s birthday.
If you were born on February 3rd, You were likely conceived the week of… May 13th (prior year)
Now You Know…
Richard Dorson Invented the words: “Fakelore” – “a synthetic product claiming to be authentic oral tradition but actually tailored for mass edification” (in 1950) and “Urban Legend,” originally called “city tales” in the 1940s. (in 1968)
February 3rd is…
American Painters Day Four Chaplains Memorial Day Golden Retriever Day Missing Persons Day National Carrot Cake Day National Cordova Ice Worm Day Women Physicians Day
Four Chaplains Memorial Day.
The Four Chaplains (aka Immortal Chaplains or the Dorchester Chaplains), include Rabbi Shlomo Schachter, Rabbi Yosef Zalman Schuchter, and Rabbi Joseph Pole of the Chabad-Lubavitch Synagogue in New York City.
The four chaplains died when the SS Dorchester, a military transport with 902 American soldiers and civilian workers, was torpedoed by a German submarine. The four deceased gave up their life jackets and remained on board to comfort and pray for the hundreds of men who lost their lives on the ship when it sank on February 3, 1943. They are considered one of the greatest heroes of World War II and a symbol of America’s courage and bravery.
American Painters Day
Every year on February 3, art enthusiasts and admirers celebrate American Painters Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and honoring the contributions of American painters to the world of art. This special day serves as a reminder of the rich artistic heritage of the United States and the diverse talents that have shaped the country’s vibrant art scene.
This particular day is not only a celebration of the past masters who have left an indelible mark on the art world but also a recognition of contemporary artists who continue to push the boundaries of creativity. From the iconic works of figures like Jackson Pollock and Georgia O’Keeffe to today’s emerging talents, this day is a time to reflect on the power of visual expression and the unique stories each artist brings to the canvas.
One of the key aspects of American Painters Day is the opportunity for art enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the various styles and movements that have defined American art over the years. Whether it’s the abstract expressionism of Willem de Kooning or the realism of Edward Hopper, the diversity of American painting reflects the nation’s cultural richness and evolving identity.
Art institutions, galleries, and museums across the country often participate in this special day by organizing exhibitions, guided tours, and interactive workshops. These events provide a platform for both seasoned art lovers and newcomers to engage with the work of American painters, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the artistic journey.
February 3rd Birthday Quotes
“Sure I think it is healthy to speak the truth, and be who you are, and be proud of that.” – Nathan Lane
“What is the answer? In that case, what is the question?” – Gertrude Stein
“I make sure I always surround myself with good, down to earth, fun, real people, who always keep me grounded.” – Sean Kingston
“I have to accept the fact that, no matter what I do, it’s going to annoy someone.” – Nathan Lane
“The secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure. So, you see, they’re always looking ahead to something new and exciting. The secret is not to look back.” – Norman Rockwell
“Being on Batman allowed me to do something we actors are taught never to do: overact.” – Victor Buono
“Silent gratitude isn’t very much use to anyone.” – Gertrude Stein
February 3rd Birthdays
1809 – Felix Mendelssohn, German pianist, composer, and conductor (died in 1847) 1811 – Horace Greeley, American journalist, abolitionist and politician (died in 1872) 1821 – Elizabeth Blackwell, English/American abolitionist (died in 1910) 1874 – Gertrude Stein, American novelist, poet, playwright, (died in 1946) 1894 – Norman Rockwell, American painter and illustrator (died in 1978) 1895 – John Ford, American film director (died in 1973) 1904 – Pretty Boy Floyd, American gangster (died in 1934) 1907 – James A. Michener, American author and (died in 1997) 1914 – Mary Carlisle, American actress, singer and dancer (died in 2018) 1914 – George Nissen, American gymnast. The inventor of the Trampoline (died in 2010) 1916 – Richard Mercer Dorson, American writer (died in 1981) 1918 – Joey Bishop, American actor (died in 2007) 1920 – Henry Heimlich, American physician and author (died in 2016) 1935 – Johnny “Guitar” Watson, American blues, soul, and funk singer-songwriter and guitarist (died in 1996) 1938 – Victor Buono, American actor (died in 1982) 1943 – Blythe Danner, American actress 1945 – Johnny Cymbal, Scottish-American singer-songwriter (died in 1993) 1950 – Morgan Fairchild, American actress 1956 – Nathan Lane, American actor and comedian 1965 – Maura Tierney, American actress 1969 – Beau Biden, American soldier and politician (died in 2015) 1976 – Isla Fisher, Omani-Australian actress 1990 – Sean Kingston, American-Jamaican singer-songwriter
February 3rd History
1690 – The first paper money in America was issued today, in the Colony of Massachusetts.
1783 – During the American Revolutionary War, Spain recognized the United States’ independence.
1809 – The 10th United States Congress created the Territory of Illinois.
1834 -Wake Forest University was established in North Carolina.
]1870 – The Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, guaranteeing voting rights to male citizens regardless of race.
1913 – The Sixteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, authorizing the Federal government to impose and collect an income tax.
1931 – The Hawke’s Bay Earthquake, New Zealand’s worst natural disaster, killed 258 people.
1870 – The 15th Amendment was ratified in the US, granting every citizen, regardless of race, the right to vote
1891 – The official electrical lighting of London streets commenced.
1889 – Outlaw Belle Starr was murdered in Oklahoma, and shot twice in the back.
1913 – The Sixteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, authorizing the Federal government to impose and collect an income tax.
1923 (Volcano Eruption) Kamchatka.
1943 – A German U-boat sank the SS Dorchester. Only 230 of 902 men aboard survive; the event is described in the Four Chaplains Story.
1947 – The coldest weather ever recorded in North America was at Snag, Yukon: -63 °C or -81 °F.
1953 – Jacques Cousteau’s book The Silent World was published.
1959 – Rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson are killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa.
1968 – #1 Hit February 3, 1968 – February 9, 1968: The Lemon Pipers – Green Tambourine
1971 – New York Police Officer Frank Serpico was shot during a drug bust in Brooklyn and survived to testify against police corruption.
1973 – #1 Hit February 3, 1973 – February 23, 1973: Elton John – Crocodile Rock
1984 – The Challenger (STS-10) launched from the Kennedy Space Center.
2001 – #1 Hit February 3, 2001 – February 16, 2001: Shaggy featuring Ricardo ‘Rikrok’ Ducent – It Wasn’t Me
2008 – The Naked Brothers Band premiered on Nickelodeon.
2009 – Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling was made a knight of the Légion d’Honneur, which is France’s highest civilian award.
#1 Hit February 3, 2018 – April 20, 2018: Drake – God’s Plan
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
Half of a large intestine: 1 semicolon
“You still wake up sometimes, don’t you? You wake up in the dark and hear the screaming of the lambs.” – Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs
TV Quotes… “I love it when a plan comes together” (Hannibal) on The A-Team
If dogs had the ability to speak to humans, we still would have no idea what Scottish Terriers would be trying to tell us.
I do not know for sure that every single night I am not abducted by extraterrestrials for experimentation followed by a complete wipe of my memory and then gently placed back in my bed.
The computer you are using is the product of a long series of tools making newer tools that go back to a caveman using a rock.
US President #7 Andrew Jackson (1829-1837) He was also the first president to ride a train. A quote: “It is a damn poor mind indeed which can’t think of at least two ways to spell any word.” Jackson threw a large party when he was inaugurated and his friends trashed the White House. An assassination attempt was made on him in 1835 by the deranged Richard Lawrence on the steps of the Capitol building; his pistols did not fire and Jackson beat the disarmed attacker with his cane.
Biggest film of 1994: The Lion King (Action/Adventure) earned ~ $423,000,000
A group of Kangaroos is called a Troop or Mob or Herd.
If every toy suddenly turned into the real version of itself, life would be much more dangerous with the major increase in weapons, dinosaurs and marbles.
If you have something to do, and you put it off long enough, chances are someone else will do it for you.
“Give me a minute, I’m good. Give me an hour, I’m great. Give me six months, I’m unbeatable.” – Col. John ‘Hannibal’ Smith #moviequotes
“Say ‘hello’ to my little friend!” – Tony Montana (Al Pacino) in Scarface, 1983
“Buffet” is a French word that means “get up and get it yourself.”
How does the man in the moon get his hair cut? Eclipse it.
Money can’t buy you happiness? Well, check this out, I bought myself a Happy Meal!
When life gives you melons, you might be dyslexic.
My IQ test results came back. They were negative.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems. But it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
The insomnia patient was such a fervent vegetarian that he counted carrots jumping over a fence.
It takes a lot of balls to golf the way I do.
I buy all my guns from a guy called T-Rex. He’s a small arms dealer.
I failed math so many times at school, I can’t even count.
A blind man walked into a bar… and a table… and a chair…
I put my grandma on speed dial the other day. I call it insta-gram.
Among the things that are so simple even a child can operate them are parents.
Small son sitting on Daddy’s lap: “I’m still confused. Was I born in a nest or a hive?”
One of the oddities of Wall Street is that the dealer, not the customer, is the broker.
Communist jokes aren’t funny unless everyone gets them.
Did you hear the one about the crustacean accused of promoting his own shellfish interests?
You are such a good friend that, if we were on a sinking ship together and there was only one life jacket, I’d miss you so much and talk about you fondly to everybody who asked.
Knock, knock. Who’s there? Control freak. Now you say, “Control freak who?”
If athletes get athlete’s foot, what do astronauts get? Missile toe.
Why did the rooster cross the road? To prove he wasn’t a chicken.
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
The trouble with getting to work on time is that it makes the day so long.
I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather, not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.
What do you call a blonde with half a brain? Gifted.
Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity.
Two fish are in a tank. One says, ‘How do you drive this thing?’
A recent study has found that women who carry a little extra weight live longer than the men who mention it.
Two wifi engineers got married. The reception was fantastic.
I read recipes the same way I read science fiction. I get to the end and I think, ‘Well, that’s not going to happen.’
What do you call a chicken who crosses the road, rolls in the mud, and then crosses back again? A dirty double-crosser.
Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it’s still on the list.
If attacked by a mob of clowns, go for the juggler.
I was addicted to the hokey pokey, but then I turned myself around.
You can’t believe everything you hear—but you can repeat it.
It was an emotional wedding. Even the cake was in tiers.
I can tell when people are being judgmental just by looking at them.
Conscience: the small voice that makes you feel smaller.
My mother was so surprised when I told her I was born again. She said she didn’t feel a thing!
Are people born with photographic memories, or does it take time to develop?
A book fell on my head the other day. I only have my shelf to blame though.
The world champion tongue twister got arrested. I hear they’re going to give him a tough sentence.
“Doctor, there’s a patient on line one that says he’s invisible.” Well, tell him I can’t see him right now.”
How many DIY buffs does it take to change a light bulb? One, but it takes two weeks and four trips to the hardware store.
What is the sound of no-hands texting?
Our child has a great deal of willpower—and even more won’t power.
Four fonts walk into a bar. The bartender says, ‘Hey! We don’t want your type in here!’
Money talks. But all mine ever says is goodbye.
I got a new pair of gloves today, but they’re both ‘lefts,’ which on the one hand is great, but on the other, it’s just not right.
Did you hear the one about the kid who started a business tying shoelaces on the playground? It was a knot-for-profit.
When the cannibal showed up late to the buffet, they gave him the cold shoulder.
Knock, knock. Who’s there? Nobel. Nobel who? Nobel, so I knock knocked.
Why didn’t Han Solo enjoy his steak dinner? It was Chewie.
Most people are shocked when they find out how bad I am as an electrician.
What’s a dog’s favorite homework assignment? A lab report.
It’s never a good idea to keep both feet firmly on the ground. You’ll have trouble putting on your pants.
You don’t need a parachute to go skydiving. You need a parachute to go skydiving twice.
Whiteboards are remarkable.
If Walmart is lowering prices every day, why isn’t anything in the store free yet?
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
Did you hear the one about the nurse who was chewed out by the doctor because she was absent without gauze?
We have enough youth. How about a Fountain of Smart?
I saw a sign the other day that said, ‘Watch for children,’ and I thought, ‘That sounds like a fair trade.’
What do you call a hippie’s wife? Mississ-ippi.
At every party there are two kinds of people: those who want to go home and those who don’t. The trouble is, they are usually married to each other.
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars but checks when you say the paint is wet?
Their first daughter was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Now they’re hoping for triplets so they can have a whole set.
The man who invented knock-knock jokes should get a no bell prize.
A rich man is 0ne who isn’t afraid to ask the clerk to show him something cheaper.
I have a few jokes about unemployed people, but none of them work.
Some men say they don’t wear their wedding band because it cuts off circulation. Well, that’s the point, isn’t it?
I was riding a donkey the other day when someone threw a rock at me and I fell off. I guess I was stoned off my ass.
Geology rocks, but geography’s where it’s at.
I can’t believe I got fired from the calendar factory. All I did was take a day off.
My teachers told me I’d never amount to much because I procrastinate so much. I told them, “Just you wait!”
People who take care of chickens are literally chicken tenders.
“I have a split personality,” said Tom, being Frank.
How many egomaniacs does it take to screw in a light bulb? One. The egomaniac holds the light bulb while the world revolves around him.
Despite the high cost of living, it remains popular.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
Why are so many blonde jokes one-liners? So brunettes can remember them.
It’s not the fall that kills you. It’s the sudden stop at the end.
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. But teach a man to fish, and you saved yourself a fish, haven’t you?
If you arrest a mime, do you have to tell him he has the right to remain silent?
A computer once beat me at chess. But it was no match for me at kickboxing.
Statistician: a person who draws a mathematically precise line from an unwarranted assumption to a foregone conclusion.
Did you hear the one about the racing snail that got rid of his shell? He thought it would make him faster, but it just made him sluggish.
Well, to be Frank with you, I’d have to change my name.
I spent a lot of time, money, and effort childproofing my house … but the kids still get in.
What do you call a mobster who’s buried in cement? A hardened criminal.
A termite walks into the bar and asks, ‘Is the bar tender here?’
Why don’t pirates take a shower before they walk the plank? They just wash up on shore.
The man who invented Velcro has died. RIP.
I have a lot of growing up to do. I realized that the other day inside my fort.
Did you hear about the guy who got hit in the head with a can of soda? He was lucky it was a soft drink.
People who use selfie sticks really need to have a good, long look at themselves.
I didn’t think orthopedic shoes would help, but I stand corrected.
My therapist says I have a preoccupation for revenge. We’ll see about that.
You’ll always stay young if you live honestly, eat slowly, sleep sufficiently, work industriously, worship faithfully, and lie about your age.
What’s a frog’s favorite type of shoes? Open toad sandals.
My boss is going to fire the employee with the worst posture. I have a hunch, it might be me.
There are three kinds of people: those who can count and those who can’t.
How many paranoid people does it take to change a light bulb? Who wants to know?
“I was addicted to the hokey pokey… but thankfully, I turned myself around.”
I was wondering why the frisbee kept getting beggir and beggir, but then it hit me.
Knowledge is power, and power corrupts. So study hard and be evil.
Just burned 2,000 calories. That’s the last time I leave brownies in the oven while I nap.
Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
If you don’t pay your exorcist, do you get repossessed?
A dung beetle walks into a bar and asks, ‘Is this stool taken?’
Why aren’t dogs good dancers? Because they have two left feet.
What did one cannibal say to the other while they were eating a clown? “Does this taste funny to you?”
I went to a seafood disco last week, but ended up pulling a mussel.
What do you call a steak that’s been knighted by the queen? Sir Loin.
Did you hear the one about veterinarian who prescribes birth-control pills for dogs? It’s part of an anti-litter campaign.
I threw a boomerang a couple years ago; I know live in constant fear.
A told my girlfriend she drew her eyebrows too high. She seemed surprised.
There’s a lot to be said in his favor, but it’s not nearly as interesting.
Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven eight nine.
The man who survived both mustard gas and pepper spray is a seasoned veteran now.
I have all the money I’ll ever need—if I die by 3:00 p.m. this afternoon.
The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side got amputated? He’s all right now.
“Most people are shocked when they find out how bad I am as an electrician.”
Pollen is what happens when flowers can’t keep it in their plants.
I don’t suffer from insanity… I enjoy every minute of it.
My wife just found out I replaced our bed with a trampoline. She hit the ceiling!
What’s Irish and stays out all night? Patty O’Furniture.
My father has schizophrenia, but he’s good people.
How many telemarketers does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but he has to do it while you are eating dinner.
Last night my girlfriend was complaining that I never listen to her… or something like that.
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you do criticize them, you’re a mile away and you have their shoes.
A Freudian slip is when you mean one thing and mean your mother.
Just burned 2,000 calories. That’s the last time I leave brownies in the oven while I nap.
Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
Will glass coffins be a success? Remains to be seen.
If you take $2 out of an ATM that has a $2.50 fee, do you owe the machine money?
Why can’t you trust an atom? Because they make up literally everything.
I went to buy some camo pants but couldn’t find any.
What’s the difference between an outlaw and an in-law? Outlaws are wanted.
What do you call Santa’s helpers? Subordinate Clauses.
A TV can insult your intelligence. But nothing rubs it in like a computer. When tempted to fight fire with fire, always remember… The fire department usually uses water.
“My first job was working in an orange juice factory, but I got canned: couldn’t concentrate.”
What did one DNA say to the other DNA? “Do these genes make me look fat?”
I told him to be himself; that was pretty mean, I guess.
They’ve been treating me like one of the family, and I’ve put up with it for as long as I can.
The problem isn’t that obesity runs in your family. The problem is no one runs in your family.
I heard there were a bunch of break-ins over at the car park. That is wrong on so many levels.
Did you hear about the shepherd who drove his sheep through town? He was given a ticket for making a ewe turn.
The easiest job in the world has to be coroner. What’s the worst thing that could happen? If everything goes wrong, maybe you’d get a pulse.”
Did you hear they arrested the devil? Yeah, they got him on possession.
Refusing to go to the gym is a form of resistance training.
I don’t have a beer gut. I have a protective covering for my rock hard abs.
My wife told me to stop impersonating a flamingo. I had to put my foot down.
My father is allergic to cotton. He has pills he can take, but he can’t get them out of the bottle.
How much did Santa pay for his sleigh? Nothing, it was on the house.
Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with a slow Internet connection to see who they really are.
Letting go of a loved one can be hard. But sometimes, it’s the only way to survive a rock climbing catastrophe.
Just got fired from my job as a set designer. I left without making a scene.
Have you heard about the new restaurant called ‘Karma?’ There’s no menu—you get what you deserve.
What’s the difference between ignorance and apathy? I don’t know and I don’t care.
I’m skeptical of anyone who tells me they do yoga every day. That’s a bit of a stretch.
Why did Beethoven get rid of his chickens? All they said was, “Bach, Bach, Bach…”
I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down.
Don’t you hate it when someone answers their own questions? I do.
Adam & Eve were the first ones to ignore the Apple terms and conditions.
What do you get when you cross a polar bear with a seal? A polar bear.
What did the zookeeper say after the python broke free? Nothing.
I used to believe that all things must pass—until I got stuck behind a school bus.
This is my step ladder. I never knew my real ladder.
The problem with kleptomaniacs is that they always take things literally.
I just got kicked out of a secret cooking society. I spilled the beans.
Did you hear about the statistician who drowned while crossing a river? It was three feet deep on average.
The easiest time to add insult to injury is when you’re signing somebody’s cast.
Winter: the season when we try to keep the house as hot as it was in the summer, when we complained about the heat.
Russian dolls are so full of themselves.
I don’t have a girlfriend. But I know a girl that would get really mad if she heard me say that.
Never trust atoms; they make up everything.
My first experience with culture shock? Probably when I peed on an electric fence.
I always take life with a grain of salt. Plus, a slice of lemon. And a shot of tequila.
Blunt pencils are really pointless.
A ghost walked into a bar and ordered a shot of vodka. The bartender said, ‘Sorry, we don’t serve spirits here.’
Life’s like a bird. It’s pretty cute until it poops on your head.
How can you tell you’re getting old? When you go to an antique auction and three people bid on you.
Women should not have children after 35. Really, 35 children are enough.
Interviewer to job applicant: “Can you come up with any reason you want this job other than your parents want you out of the house?”
Why did the chicken go to the séance? To get to the other side.
What’s the difference between a northern fairytale and a southern fairytale? A northern fairytale begins ‘Once upon a time…’ A southern fairytale begins ‘Y’all ain’t gonna believe this…’
If a parsley farmer gets sued, can they garnish his wages?
Don’t trust atoms, they make up everything.
Advice to husbands: Try praising your wife now and then, even if it does startle her at first.
What do you need in order to make a small fortune on Wall Street? A large fortune.
What do fish say when they hit a concrete wall? Dam!
I used to have a handle on life, but then it broke.
To see a man’s true face, look to the photos he hasn’t posted.
The reason some politicians like to stand on their record is to keep voters from examining it.
I know they say that money talks, but all mine says is ‘Goodbye.’
Did you hear the one about the cat who ate a ball of yarn? She had mittens.
The first time I got a universal remote control, I thought to myself, ‘This changes everything.’
Scientists have recently discovered a food that greatly reduces sex drive. It’s called wedding cake.
I don’t have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.
Of course I wouldn’t say anything about her unless I could say something good. And, oh boy, is this good…
My friend was explaining electricity to me, but I was like, ‘Watt?’
I am not a vegetarian because I love animals. I am a vegetarian because I hate plants.
Build a man a fire and he’ll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire and he’ll be warm for the rest of his life.
A Mexican magician tells the audience he will disappear on the count of three. He says, ‘Uno, dos…” and poof! He disappeared without a tres.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until they open their mouths.
“When I lose the TV controller, it’s always hidden in some remote destination.”
Knock, knock. Who’s there? Ayatollah. Ayatollah who? Ayatollah you already.
How do you make holy water? You boil the hell out of it.
Worrying works! More than 90 percent of the things I worry about never happen.
Isn’t it odd the way everyone automatically assumes that the goo in soap dispensers is always soap? I like to fill mine with mustard, just to teach people a lesson in trust.
Why did the parents not like their son’s biology teacher? He had skeletons in his closet.
When he talks, it isn’t a conversation. It’s a filibuster.
If an anonymous comment goes unread, is it still irritating?
Feeling pretty proud of myself. The puzzle I bought said 3-5 years, but I finished it in 18 months.
Always borrow money from a pessimist. They’ll never expect it back.
What happens to an illegally parked frog? It gets toad away.
What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear.
I used to think I was indecisive. But now I’m not so sure.
Today a man knocked on my door and asked for a small donation toward the local swimming pool. I gave him a glass of water.
The rotation of Earth really makes my day.
I never knew what happiness was until I got married—and then it was too late.
Did you hear the one about the claustrophobic astronaut? He just wanted a little more space.
The future, the present, and the past walk into a bar. Things got a little tense.
She leaves me with the feeling that when we bury the hatchet she’ll mark the exact spot.
I don’t suffer from insanity. I enjoy every minute of it.
One of the cows didn’t produce milk today. It was an udder failure.
My friend’s bakery burned down last night. Now his business is toast.
I bought the world’s worst thesaurus yesterday. Not only is it terrible, but it’s also terrible.
Change is inevitable—except from a vending machine.
A new study shows that one-third of people don’t floss, while the other two-thirds couldn’t answer with all the local anesthetic in their mouths.
6:30 is the best time on a clock, hands down.
Maybe if we start telling people their brain is an app, they’ll want to use it.
St. Nicholas lived in Turkey, where he served as a bishop in the town of Myra, during the fourth century. Sinter Klaas (St. Nicholas) brought gifts at Christmastime, according to legend, either through an open window or down a chimney. He was generous, often supplying dowries for young brides-to-be.
The word Christmas originated as a compound word, meaning “Christ’s Mass”. It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038. “Cristes” is from Greek Christos and “mæsse” is from Latin missa (the holy mass).
While it marks the celebration of the birth of Jesus, experts are slightly fuzzy about His actual birth date. Record-keeping for regular people was virtually non-existent 20 centuries ago and, over the course of this time, two calendars were used – the older Julian calendar and the Gregorian calendar we use today. Basically, the Julian calendar was off by 11 minutes a year, which doesn’t sound like much, but after ten, one hundred or a thousand years it can really add up.
In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII kicked his new and better version off, and even that took a few centuries to spread around the world. 170 years after most of the rest of the world changed, in England and its American colonies, the dates jumped from Wednesday 2 September 1752 to Thursday 14 September 1752 within 24 hours.
Christmas In America
The earliest Christian people came to America through New England (the very religious Pilgrims and Puritans) and Virginia (a more working-class, less religious lot). Many, if not most, were English at first, but Spanish, Dutch, French, Swedish, and Portuguese came to the new world as well. For every group it was difficult, and a significant number of each died shortly after arriving in the new world. There was a wide diversity in religious beliefs as well – Protestants and Catholics who each believed the other were heretics.
Many came for religious freedom, either out of desperation and rebellion (the Puritans in New England), or generosity (The Quakers in Pennsylvania). It was a little easier surviving in the south, and there was more freedom in living and in playing.
Christmas is celebrated at about the same time as the Winter Solstice, a period of time when the days are shortest and the nights are longest. The shortest days occurring meant that longer days were just beginning, and this period had been celebrated in one form or another since man’s earliest days, which is why some Christians are leery of the ‘pagan’ roots of the holiday.
Gift-giving started in the late 1700s when less-Puritan beliefs filtered into the American culture. Credit for the gifts started out as spreading some goodwill and cheers and evolved into gifts ‘from’ instead of ‘in’ the Christmas Spirit. By the early 1800s the German/Dutch Sinterklaas (Saint Nicolas), wearing his red suit, was the person leaving the gifts.
Christmas became an official Federal holiday by President Ulysses S. Grant in an attempt to unite north and south after the Civil War in 1870. Prior to that, it was an event celebrated in churches and very localized.
The Nativity of Jesus
In the village of Nazareth lived Joseph and Mary. One night Mary told Joseph she had a dream that an angel came to her and told her she had been chosen to bear the son of God. When the people of Israel were instructed to return to their towns of birth Mary and Joseph set out for Bethlehem; Joseph on foot, Mary on a donkey. It is said they traveled many days and only rested one night, all while Mary was with child.
The couple arrived in Bethlehem at night, but there was nowhere with a vacancy for them to stay. One innkeeper directed Joseph and Mary towards a stable room in a cave where they could rest the night. The following night, Mary gave birth to baby Jesus in the stable room.
When the child was born, a bright star shone over Bethlehem, scaring the shepherds. When they tried to run, an angel appeared and told them to not fear and that a savior had been born.
Three kings in the east – Caspar, King of Tarsus; Melchoir, leader of Arabia; and Balthazar, King from Ethiopia – knew the star as a sign and traveled many days and many miles to reach the small stable room in Bethlehem. When the three kings reached Bethlehem, they bowed to the child and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense (used in perfumery and aromatherapy), and myrrh (highly valued in ancient times).
To make a very long story as short as possible, Jesus was probably born between 6 and 4 BC. The Gospels of Luke and Matthew are the most reliable sources of information, but they were not specific on dates.
The Guy In The Red Suit
Greek native, Nicholas, born a few hundred years after Jesus Christ, had prior to that led a very righteous life, helping many people, particularly by providing children with gold coins. Raised as a devout Christian, Nicholas took all of his wealth and, following the words of God, gave it to the poor and needy. It is known that he had a special love for helping the needy, children, and sailors.
Nicholas was sent to prison in the 4th century by the Roman Emperor Diocletian who persecuted the Christians while in reign. Nicholas was tortured in prison but then released when Constantine became the new emperor. After moving to the Netherlands, he adopted the native language and was renamed Sinterklauss (Saint Nickolaas).
He continued helping children and was revered by many faiths including Catholics, Lutherans, Orthodox Christians, and Anglicans, but some in the Protestant faith did not like the whole celebratory aspect regarding saints and outward celebrations like Christmas. Through this time, Nicholas apparently worked out of the mainstream until he later moved to the North Pole.
Santa Claus, according to historians, has been living in the North Pole since at least the 1820s.
Author Washington Irving gave the first detailed information about St. Nick in 1809. Then, in 1823, Saint Nick was fully Americanized in the poem by Clement Clarke Moore, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” now known as “The Night Before Christmas”. The first image of our modern Santa Claus was illustrated by Thomas Nast who drew full-bellied Santa for Christmas issues of Harper’s magazine in the 1800s.
The Christmas Tree
The most famous Christmas Tree in America has been the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in New York City. The first tree was placed by workers while it was still under construction, but the first official tree was presented in 1933, after 30 Rock, as the center is called, opened.
The official National Christmas Tree has been set on the White House Grounds since 1923, and an inside tree has been in the White House every year since the mid-1800s.
The New York Rockefeller Tree is probably America’s Most Famous. Each year, over a million locals and visitors, plus millions more on television since 1951, come to see the official lighting, now with over 40,000 lights and miles of wire.
How did we get to the point where a million people will come to New York to see the official lighting of America’s most viewed Christmas Tree? It started about 570 years ago…
In the 1440’s the ‘Brotherhood of Blackheads’ erected what is probably the first official Christmas Tree. They were basically a single men’s club in Livonia (present-day Estonia and Latvia) who “went with a flock of maidens and women, first sang and danced there and then set the tree aflame,” according to Balthasar Russow, a well-known chronicler of the era later wrote. Simply put, it was a party.
Within one hundred years, the Christmas Tree tradition had spread to what we now call Germany where they decorated the trees with apples, nuts, dates, pretzels, paper flowers, and other festive items. The trees were considered a social event, being placed in public squares and other areas where the entire community could join in festivities. Some of the very wealthy (Protestants) included trees in their homes, in part as a snub to the Catholic tradition of keeping cribs (a basic Nativity scene) in their homes.
By the early 1800s, more homes began including their trees, starting in Germany, and in America, probably with German immigrants who came to Lancaster, Pennsylvania (who claim the first Christmas Tree in 1821) or the German settlers in Easton, PA reportedly setting up the first tree in 1816. Then again, it could have been the unnamed Hessian (German) captured soldier in 1776.
Christmas became an official Federal holiday by President Ulysses S. Grant, in an attempt to unite north and south after the Civil War, in 1870. Prior to that, it was an event celebrated in churches and very localized.
By this time, Christmas Trees were in many American Households and were very carefully lit up by small candles in the trees. Melted wax was used to keep the candles on the branches. In the early 1900s, special candleholders were used; and by 1914 small lanterns had replaced the candles, although still with a significant fire-risk.
Edward H. Johnson, an associate of inventor Thomas Edison, had Christmas tree light bulbs especially made for himself. He proudly displayed his Christmas tree, which was hand-wired with 80 red, white, and blue electric incandescent light bulbs, about the size of walnuts, on December 22, 1882, at his home on Fifth Avenue in New York City, making him the father of electric Christmas Tree lights.
In 1895, U.S. President Grover Cleveland sponsored the first electrically lit Christmas tree in the White House, which featured about 100 multi-colored lights. It took several decades (until about 1950) before most American homes had electricity and the lights were made inexpensive enough, enabling the widespread use of electrical lights like we have today.
Christmas Trivia
Santa, Elvis Presley, Betsy Ross, Paul Revere, and Daniel Boone are the only PEZ’s that have been made in the likeness of real people that were sold to the public!
Mistletoe and Holly: 200 years before the birth of Christ, Druids used mistletoe to decorate their homes while celebrating the coming of winter. They believed the plant had special healing power. Scandinavians viewed the mistletoe as a plant of peace and harmony and associated it with their goddess of love, Frigga. It is believed that is why it is now a custom to kiss under the mistletoe. The church banned the use of mistletoe at Christmas because of its pagan origin and in its place used the holly plant.
Stockings: Back when Saint Nicholas was out doing good, there was a kind family whose mother got sick and died. The father lost all the family’s money and his three daughters had to move into a peasant’s cottage. After washing their clothes one night, the girls hung their stockings over the fireplace to dry. That night after everyone went to sleep Saint Nick climbed on their roof and dropped down the chimney small bags of gold that landed in the stockings. The next morning the girls discovered the gold in their stockings and were able to live happy lives afterward. This story also tells us where the story of Santa coming through the chimney originated from.
Reindeer: the names of the original eight reindeer were taken from Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Night Before Christmas”
Christmas cookies: In Medieval Germany, families would decorate their trees with cookies or wafers. Often they would find some of the treats missing, and fabricated the story that Santa took them (although it was probably mice).
Santa Names Around The World
Père Noël in France St. Nicholas (Sinter Klaas) in Holland Jultomten – Sweden Father Christmas in England Christkind in Germany Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) – Russia Santa Kurohsu – Japan Joulupukki (Old Man Christmas) – Finland Sion Corn – Wales Papai Noel Peru, Brazil Gwiazdor (Star man) – Poland
Christmas is the only time of year where it is socially acceptable and encouraged to sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of old socks.
A lady lost her handbag in the bustle of Christmas shopping. It was found by an honest little boy and returned to her. Looking in her purse, she commented, “Hmmm… That’s funny. When I lost my bag there was a $20 bill in it. Now there are twenty $1 bills.” The boy quickly replied, “That’s right, lady. The last time I found a lady’s purse, she didn’t have any change for a reward.”
1814 – Representatives of the United Kingdom and the United States signed the Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812.
1818 – The first performance of Silent Night took place in the church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf, Austria
1851 – The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., burned, destroying 35,000 books, about 2/3 of the library’s collection.
1945 – Five of the nine Sodder children become missing after their home in Fayetteville, West Virginia, mysteriously burned down.
If you were born on December 24th, You were likely conceived the week of… April 1st (same year)
There Is A Santa Claus
Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. – Francis Pharcellus Church in “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” New York Sun newspaper, 1897.
December 24th Birthday Quotes
“A scientist ought to have a healthy disregard for coincidences.” – Fritz Leiber
“Failure? Scared to death of it.” – Ryan Seacrest
“I like the night. Without the dark, we’d never see the stars.” – Stephenie Meyer
“Everyone knows Newton as a great scientist. Few remember that he spent half his life muddling with alchemy, looking for the philosopher’s stone. That was the pebble by the seashore he really wanted to find.” – Fritz Leiber
December 24th is…
Christmas Eve Last Minute Shopper’s Day National Egg Nog Day
December 24th Birthday Quotes
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. – from A Visit from St. Nicholas, by Clement Clarke Moore
December 24th Birthdays
1166 – John, King of England, Magna Carta (died in 1216) 1761 – Jean-Louis Pons, French astronomer, found 37 comets (died in 1831) 1809 – Christopher ‘Kit’ Carson, American general, and frontiersman (died in 1868) 1905 – Howard Hughes, American businessman, engineer, and pilot (died in 1976) 1910 – Fritz Leiber, American fantasy and science fiction author (died in 1992) 1922 – Ava Gardner, American actress (died in 1990) 1924 – Lee Dorsey, American singer-songwriter (died in 1986) 1944 – Mike Curb, American businessman, musician, and politician 1945 – Lemmy, English rock singer-songwriter and bass player (died in 2015) 1961 – Wade Williams, American character actor 1962 – Kate Spade, American fashion designer, co-founder of Kate Spade New York (died in 2018) 1969 – Mark Millar, Scottish comic book author, and creator 1971 – Ricky Martin, Puerto Rican-American singer-songwriter 1973 – Stephenie Meyer, American author 1974 – Ryan Seacrest, American radio host, and television personality 1977 – Michael Raymond-James, American actor
December 24th History
1777 – Kiritimati, also called Christmas Island, was discovered by James Cook.
1801 – Richard Trevithick publicly displayed his “Puffing Devil,” or “Puffer,” the first steam-powered passenger vehicle. The steam engine was a prototype of steam-powered trains.
1814 – The War of 1812 ended between the British Empire and the United States.
1818 – Silent Night (music: Franz Xaver Gruber, lyrics: Joseph Mohr) premiered in the church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf, Austria.
December 24, 1836 (fiction) RIP Jacob Marley, A Christmas Carol, Story
December 24, 1843 (fiction) The events of A Christmas Carol occurred, Story
1851 – A fire erupted at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., destroying about 35,000 books, including much of Thomas Jefferson’s collection.
1865 – In Pulaski, Tennessee, a group of Confederate veterans formed the “Ku Klux Klan.”
1889 – A bicycle with a back-pedal brake was patented (# 418,142) by Daniel Stover and William Hance of Freeport, Ill.
1914 – An unofficial ‘ceasefire’ on the Western Front, the “Christmas truce” began. Both sides stopped fighting, shared gifts, and celebrated Christmas together. An estimated 100,000 British and German troops were involved.
December 24, 1941 (fiction) Steve Rogers was rejected from US military service, classified 4F, Marvel Cinematic Universe
December 24, 1951 – Amahl and the Night Visitors was broadcast live on NBC
1955 – The Lennon Sisters debuted on the Lawrence Welk Show (ABC)
1955 – NORAD Tracks Santa for the first time in what will become an annual Christmas Eve tradition, thanks to a misprinted phone number in a Sear’s retail catalog. For the first several years, it was run by the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Center.
1968 – Apollo 8 broadcast to the Earth, and reported that there is a Santa Claus.
1972 – Entertainment Bob Hope gave his ninth (and final) Christmas show in Vietnam.
1973 – District of Columbia Home Rule Act was passed, giving residents of Washington DC the power to elect their own local government.
1988 – #1 Hit December 24, 1988 – January 13, 1989: Poison – Every Rose Has Its Thorn
1993 – Tombstone and Philadelphia were released in theaters.
1997- Woody Allen married Soon-Yi Previn, the adopted daughter of his former girlfriend Mia Farrow.
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
… a man who thinks he’s George Washington has been seeing a psychiatrist. He finishes up one session by telling him, “Tomorrow, we’ll cross the Delaware and surprise them when they least expect it.” As soon as he’s gone, the psychiatrist picks up the phone and says, “King George, this is Benedict Arnold. I have the plans!”
The largest man-made lake in the U.S. is Lake Mead, created by the Hoover Dam.
The village of Carol Stream, Illinois is not named after a local stream, but is in fact one of only a few municipalities in the US named after a person’s first and last name.
Jimmy Carter was the first president to admit to seeing a UFO.
Santa has to deliver presents to almost 22 million kids an hour, every hour, on the night before Christmas. That’s about 365,000 kids a minute; about 6,100 a second.
The biggest film of 2015: Star Wars Ep. VII: The Force Awakens (Action/Adventure) earned ~ $936,000,000
TV Quotes… “Jane, you ignorant slut” (Dan Aykroyd to Jane Curtin) on Saturday Night Live.
The drug term “trip” was first coined by U.S. Army scientists in the 1950’s when they were experimenting with LSD.
“Don’t empty my mind! Please, I beg you! My mind is all I have! I’ve spent my whole life trying to fill it!” – Dr. Hans Zarkov, Flash Gordon #moviequotes
The Queen’s full title is “Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of Her other Realms and Territories, Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.”
A group of Cobras is called a Quiver.
Despite their reputation, it is actually very rare for an opossum to have rabies because their body temperature is too low for rabies to survive and replicate well.
Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School (established in 1937) is the longest continuously running Santa Claus School in the world.
1. What Christmas carol is based on the angelic announcement to the shepherds?
2. What animal is often depicted in nativity scenes but not mentioned in the Bible?
3. What is the most sung Christmas hymn?
4. In which two Gospels is the birth of Jesus described? You get one point for each.
5. What prophet foretold that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem?
6. Why did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem?
7. What is the meaning of Advent?
8. What was King Herod’s reaction to the news of Jesus’s birth?
9. What Christian saint inspired the modern image of Santa Claus?
10. What does the name Bethlehem mean?
11. Who was the mother of Jesus?
12. What does the name “Jesus” mean in Hebrew?
13. What angel appeared to Mary to announce she would give birth to Jesus?
14. What does the color purple signify during Advent?
15. What does “Christ” mean?
16. What gifts did the Magi bring to Jesus? You get one point for each correct answer.
17. What does the gift of gold symbolize?
18. What does the gift of frankincense symbolize?
19. What does the gift of myrrh symbolize?
20. What were the shepherds doing when the angels appeared to them?
21. What is the symbolism of the star on top of a Christmas tree?
22. Where was Jesus laid after his birth?
23. What is a manger?
24. What does the Advent wreath symbolize?
25. What does the pink Advent candle represent?
26. What Old Testament figure is often compared to Jesus as a shepherd?
27. How many Magi are mentioned in the Bible?
28. Traditionally, who were the three wise men? You get one point for each, which you can name.
29. What New Testament book contains a genealogy tracing Jesus to King David?
30. What day marks the end of the twelve days of Christmas?
31. What is the significance of the Feast of the Epiphany?
32. Who recognized Jesus as the Messiah when he was presented at the temple?
33. Who declared December 25 as the date to celebrate Jesus’s birth?
34. Who wrote the Gospel, which contains the most detailed account of Jesus’s birth?
35. What does the red ribbon on a Christingle represent?
36. What is the term for Mary’s visit to Elizabeth while both were pregnant?
37. What prayer contains Mary’s response to Elizabeth during the Visitation?
38. Who baptized Jesus later in life?
39. What does the dove symbolize in Christian Christmas imagery?
40. What is the purpose of the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve?
41. In what region was Bethlehem located?
42. What Old Testament city is Bethlehem associated with?
43. What Old Testament prophet foretold the virgin birth of Jesus?
44. What is the Christmas season called in the liturgical calendar?
45. How many candles are in a traditional Advent wreath?
46. What do the colors red and green traditionally symbolize at Christmas?
47. When do Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas instead of December 25?
48. What does the phrase “Word became flesh” refer to?
49. What fruit is commonly associated with Christingles?
50. What does “Emmanuel” mean?
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. What year was December 25 celebrated as Christmas?
2. What year did Pope Julius I officially fix December 25 as Christmas Day?
3.What does the term “Nativity” mean?
4. What council solidified the belief in Jesus as fully human and fully divine?
5. What is the key verse in Isaiah predicting Jesus’s birth?
6. What angel appeared to Joseph in a dream?
7. Who was the Roman governor at the time of Jesus’s birth?
8. What is the name of the canticle Simeon sings upon seeing Jesus?
9. What does the word “Messiah” mean?
10. What song is known as the oldest surviving Christmas carol?
The Answers:
Traditional Christmas Trivia Answers
1. What Christmas carol is based on the angelic announcement to the shepherds? Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. It reflects the announcement in Luke 2:10–14.
2. What animal is often depicted in nativity scenes but not mentioned in the Bible? Donkeys. The Bible does not explicitly mention donkeys at Jesus’s birth.
3. What is the most sung Christmas hymn? Silent Night (Stille Nacht), composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber with lyrics by Joseph Mohr.
4. In which two Gospels is the birth of Jesus described? You get one point for each. Matthew and Luke. The nativity story is in Matthew 1:18–2:12 and Luke 2:1–20.
5. What prophet foretold that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem? Micah (Micah 5:2). Micah 5:2 predicts the Messiah’s birthplace as Bethlehem.
6. Why did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem? To be counted in a census ordered by Caesar Augustus. This is noted in Luke 2:1–4.
7. What is the meaning of Advent? “Coming” or “arrival.” It derives from the Latin “adventus”.
8. What was King Herod’s reaction to the news of Jesus’s birth? He ordered the Massacre of the Innocents. Matthew 2:16 describes Herod’s response.
9. What Christian saint inspired the modern image of Santa Claus? Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas of Myra was a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity.
10. What does the name Bethlehem mean? “House of Bread.” In Hebrew, Beit Lechem translates to “House of Bread.”
11. Who was the mother of Jesus? Mary. This is detailed in Luke 1:27–31.
12. What does the name “Jesus” mean in Hebrew? “The Lord saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.” “Jesus” derives from the Hebrew name Yeshua.
13. What angel appeared to Mary to announce she would give birth to Jesus? Gabriel. Luke 1:26–27 names the angel as Gabriel.
14. What does the color purple signify during Advent? Penitence and preparation. Purple symbolizes both penitence (as in Lent) and the royalty of Christ.
15. What does “Christ” mean? “The Anointed One,” the Greek translation of “Messiah.” “Christos” is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew “Messiah.”
16. What gifts did the Magi bring to Jesus? You get one point for each correct answer. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This is detailed in Matthew 2:11.
17. What does the gift of gold symbolize? Jesus’s kingship.
18. What does the gift of frankincense symbolize? Jesus’s divinity and role as a priest. Frankincense was used in religious rituals.
19. What does the gift of myrrh symbolize? Jesus’s suffering and death. Myrrh was used in embalming, foreshadowing Jesus’s death.
20. What were the shepherds doing when the angels appeared to them? Watching their flocks by night. This is described in Luke 2:8.
21. What is the symbolism of the star on top of a Christmas tree? The Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi. The star symbolizes the guiding light to Christ.
22. Where was Jesus laid after his birth? In a manger. This is recorded in Luke 2:7.
23. What is a manger? A feeding trough for animals. Historically, a manger was used to feed livestock.
24. What does the Advent wreath symbolize? The eternal life brought by Jesus. The circular shape of the wreath symbolizes eternity.
25. What does the pink Advent candle represent? Joy. The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday, a day of joy.
26. What Old Testament figure is often compared to Jesus as a shepherd? King David. David, a shepherd before becoming king, is a Messianic figure in scripture.
27. How many Magi are mentioned in the Bible? The exact number is not specified. Matthew 2:1 mentions “wise men,” but their number is not given.
28. Traditionally, who were the three wise men? You get one point for each, which you can name. Caspar (or Gaspar), Melchior, and Balthazar.
29. What New Testament book contains a genealogy tracing Jesus to King David? Matthew. Matthew 1:1–17 traces Jesus’s lineage through David.
30. What day marks the end of the twelve days of Christmas? Epiphany, January 6. The twelve days lead to Epiphany.
31. What is the significance of the Feast of the Epiphany? It celebrates the visit of the Magi and the revelation of Jesus to the Gentiles.
32. Who recognized Jesus as the Messiah when he was presented at the temple? Simeon and Anna. This is described in Luke 2:25–38.
33. Who declared December 25 as the date to celebrate Jesus’s birth? Emperor Constantine, but Pope Julius I is often credited with formalizing it.
34. Who wrote the Gospel, which contains the most detailed account of Jesus’s birth? Luke the Evangelist. Luke was Paul’s physician and companion.
35. What does the red ribbon on a Christingle represent? The blood of Christ. The ribbon represents Christ’s sacrifice.
36. What is the term for Mary’s visit to Elizabeth while both were pregnant? The Visitation. This is described in Luke 1:39–56.
37. What prayer contains Mary’s response to Elizabeth during the Visitation? The Magnificat. The Magnificat is found in Luke 1:46–55.
38. Who baptized Jesus later in life? John the Baptist. Matthew 3:13–17 records John baptizing Jesus.
39. What does the dove symbolize in Christian Christmas imagery? Peace and the Holy Spirit.
40. What is the purpose of the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve? To celebrate the birth of Christ as the new day begins. Midnight Mass commemorates the moment of Christ’s birth.
41. In what region was Bethlehem located? Judea
42. What Old Testament city is Bethlehem associated with? The city of King David. Bethlehem is called “The City of David” in Luke 2:4.
43. What Old Testament prophet foretold the virgin birth of Jesus? Isaiah. This prophecy is found in Isaiah 7:14.
44. What is the Christmas season called in the liturgical calendar? Christmastide. Christmastide begins on December 25 and ends on Epiphany (January 6).
45. How many candles are in a traditional Advent wreath? Four, with an optional fifth for Christmas Day. Four candles (three purple and one pink) are traditional, with a white candle often added for Christmastide.
46. What do the colors red and green traditionally symbolize at Christmas? Red represents Jesus’s sacrifice, and green represents eternal life.
47. When do Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas instead of December 25? January 7, due to the Julian calendar.
48. What does the phrase “Word became flesh” refer to? The Incarnation, as described in John 1:14. John 1:14 explains the Incarnation: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
49. What fruit is commonly associated with Christingles? An orange.
50. What does “Emmanuel” mean? “God with us.” This comes from Isaiah 7:14 and is referenced in Matthew 1:23.
Trivia Team Bonus Answers:
1. What year was December 25 celebrated as Christmas? 336 AD. This is the earliest recorded celebration of Christmas.
2. What year did Pope Julius I officially fix December 25 as Christmas Day? Around 350 AD. While December 25 was celebrated as early as 336 AD, Pope Julius I is traditionally credited with formalizing it in the mid-4th century.
3.What does the term “Nativity” mean? Birth. “Nativity” derives from the Latin word nativitas, meaning “birth.”
4. What council solidified the belief in Jesus as fully human and fully divine? The Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD. The Chalcedonian Creed affirmed this belief.
5. What is the key verse in Isaiah predicting Jesus’s birth? Isaiah 7:14. It states, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
6. What angel appeared to Joseph in a dream? The Bible does not specify an angel’s name for Joseph. While Gabriel is named in his appearances to Mary and Zechariah, the angel appearing to Joseph is unnamed (Matthew 1:20).
7. Who was the Roman governor at the time of Jesus’s birth? Quirinius. Luke 2:2 mentions Quirinius’s census.
8. What is the name of the canticle Simeon sings upon seeing Jesus? The Nunc Dimittis. This is found in Luke 2:29–32.
9. What does the word “Messiah” mean? “Anointed One.” The Hebrew word Mashiach translates to “anointed one.”
10. What song is known as the oldest surviving Christmas carol? Jesus Refulsit Omnium (Jesus, Light of All Nations). Jesus Refulsit Omnium is attributed to St. Hilary of Poitiers in the 4th century,
When we think of holiday music, visions of Santa, snow, and goodwill often come to mind. However, some of the season’s most beloved songs barely touch on Christmas—or have no connection to it. These almost Christmas songs are part of the cultural soundtrack for the holidays, sneaking their way into our celebrations thanks to tradition, nostalgia, or sheer beauty.
Songs like Jingle Bells, Over the River, and Through the Woods have become holiday mainstays despite their original ties to Thanksgiving. Others, like Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, make their way into Christmas playlists for their haunting beauty rather than holiday spirit. Even classics like Winter Wonderland and Let It Snow celebrate the magic of winter without mentioning Christmas. Meanwhile, songs with deeper connections to history and tradition, such as Here We Come A-Caroling (The Wassail Song), focus on New Year’s festivities instead of Christmas.
Additionally, pop hits like Last Christmas by Wham! and Baby; It’s Cold Outside bring a modern flair to the season, blending romance and nostalgia while sometimes sparking debate. From the jazz-infused charm of What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? to the soulful rhythms of My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music, the variety of these tunes showcases how holiday music transcends traditional boundaries.
Thanksgiving Tunes That Became Holiday Classics
Surprisingly, some of the most iconic songs we associate with Christmas were originally written for Thanksgiving. Take Over the River and Through the Woods, penned in 1844 by Lydia Maria Child. This classic was inspired by a nostalgic trip to her grandmother’s house, and it never mentions Christmas. Similarly, Jingle Bells, composed by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, was created as a cheerful tune for Thanksgiving gatherings, celebrating sleigh rides rather than holiday cheer. Despite their origins, these songs have become holiday staples, played and sung throughout December.
Wassailing and New Year’s Celebrations
Caroling is closely tied to Christmas traditions, but one of the oldest carols, Here We Come A-Caroling (also known as The Wassail Song), is more about New Year’s festivities. Written around 1850, this lively song celebrates wassailing, a tradition of visiting neighbors with songs and drinks for good luck. Though often grouped with Christmas music, its focus on New Year’s reflects the broader spirit of the season.
Holiday Duets and Controversial Lyrics
Few holiday duets capture the cozy charm of the season like Baby, It’s Cold Outside. Written by Frank Loessner in 1944 as a party duet for him and his wife, the song’s playful back-and-forth has made it a favorite for decades. However, its lyrics have sparked controversy recently, with some questioning the consent implied in the dialogue. Despite this, its original intent was far more innocent—a fun, flirtatious exchange designed for entertainment.
Hallelujah: A Surprising Holiday Hit
Hallelujah, written by Leonard Cohen in 1984, has become an unexpected addition to the holiday music playlist. Its haunting beauty and universal themes have made it a seasonal favorite, even though it has no ties to Christmas. The song gained widespread attention when Jason Castro performed it on American Idol in 2008, sparking renewed interest in Jeff Buckley’s iconic rendition. Pentatonix further cemented its place in holiday playlists with their acapella cover in 2016, which garnered over 760 million views on YouTube—half the views of Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Are You, arguably the most popular modern Christmas song.
The Great American Songbook of the Holidays
Many classic holiday tunes originated during the mid-20th century and became timeless additions to the Great American Songbook. Songs like Winter Wonderland,Sleigh Ride,Let It Snow, and Home for the Holidays capture the festive season without explicitly referencing Christmas. Their charm lies in their universal celebration of winter and togetherness, making them perfect for any seasonal gathering.
Ghost Stories and Christmas Eve Traditions
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, released by Andy Williams in 1963, famously mentions “scary ghost stories” as part of the holiday tradition. While this might seem odd today, ghost stories were a significant part of Victorian Christmas celebrations. Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol and The Goblin and the Sexton were popular tales read aloud during family gatherings. The Krampus legend from Central Europe, featuring an anti-Santa figure who punished misbehaving children, also contributed to the eerie side of Christmas. Families in the late 19th and early 20th centuries often listened to Christmas mysteries and ghost stories on the radio, particularly on Christmas Eve.
Fun fact: George Wyle, the composer of The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, also wrote the theme song for Gilligan’s Island.
Holiday Season Trivia: Test Your Festive Knowledge!
The holiday season is packed with traditions, celebrations, and quirky customs, making it the most wonderful time of the year. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, this page is filled with trivia questions that celebrate the season’s magic. Whether you’re hosting a festive quiz or just brushing up on your seasonal knowledge, these questions are sure to entertain and challenge!
How well do you know the holiday season? Answer questions like: What’s the origin of the word “Hanukkah”? Which country is credited with starting the modern Christmas tree tradition? When did the first Times Square ball drop occur? And which iconic Thanksgiving dish was originally considered a dessert?
Here’s some bonus trivia to spark your festive spirit:
Mistletoe was considered a symbol of fertility and peace by the ancient Druids, which may explain the modern custom of kissing beneath it.
The Times Square Ball Drop began in 1907, ushering in a new way to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga to honor African heritage and culture.
Thanksgiving Day parades became popular in the 1920s, with Macy’s hosting its first parade in 1924, featuring live animals instead of balloons.
The Yule log tradition, associated with Christmas, dates back to Norse mythology and pagan winter solstice rituals.
Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or New Year’s, the holiday season is full of rich traditions and fascinating history. This trivia page celebrates the diversity and joy of the season, offering fun facts and questions for everyone to enjoy.
Are you ready to test your holiday smarts? Dive into the trivia now and make your season even brighter with a little friendly competition!
1. Which song holds the record as the best-selling Christmas single of all time?
2. What is the name of the guardian angel who helps George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life?
3. What popular holiday beverage is called “milk punch”?
4. How many reindeer are named in the poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas? Bonus point for each one you can name.
5. What country is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition?
6. What holiday symbol is associated with “deck the halls”?
7. What is the full name of the character “Scrooge” in A Christmas Carol?
8. In How the Grinch Stole Christmas, what is the name of the Grinch’s dog?
9. Which season does Christmas occur in the Southern Hemisphere?
10. Who recorded the album A Charlie Brown Christmas?
11. In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, what animal do the Griswolds find in their Christmas tree?
12. In The Nightmare Before Christmas, what is Jack Skellington’s title in Halloween Town?
13. What holiday drink is known for being served hot with spices and often includes wine?
14. What holiday treat is made from sugar, corn syrup, and butter, then cooled into a crunchy candy, popular in the U.S. during Christmas?
15. Which department store is credited with popularizing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
16. What is Santa Claus known as in the United Kingdom?
17. What reindeer name means “lightning” in Dutch and German?
18. What was the original color of Santa Claus’s suit before it became red?
19. Who is said to have first decorated a Christmas tree with candles?
20. What type of tree is most commonly used as a Christmas tree? There are several answers. You can get one point for each of the top four you can name.
21. In ancient times, Which holiday symbol was thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck?
22. What colors are most commonly associated with Christmas?
23. What famous children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg was made into a Christmas movie in 2004?
24. Who wrote the classic Christmas song White Christmas, which also inspired a movie?
25. What phrase does Tiny Tim famously say in A Christmas Carol?
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. What substance in the human body naturally releases in higher amounts in response to colder temperatures and darkness?
2. Which country is famous for its Christmas tradition of KFC dinners?
3. Who created the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
4. What is the plant’s name known as the “Christmas cactus”?
5. Who was the original “Saint Nicholas”?
The Answers:
25 Holiday Season Trivia Answers
1Which song holds the record as the best-selling Christmas single of all time? White Christmas by Bing Crosby
2. What is the guardian angel’s name who helps George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life? Clarence
3. What popular holiday beverage is called “milk punch”? Eggnog
4. How many reindeer are named in the poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas? Bonus point for each one you can name. Eight (Prancer, Dancer, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Dasher, Vixen and Blitzen)
5. What country is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition? Germany
6. What holiday symbol is associated with “deck the halls”? Boughs of holly
7. What is the full name of the character “Scrooge” in A Christmas Carol? Ebenezer Scrooge
8. In How the Grinch Stole Christmas, what is the name of the Grinch’s dog? Max
9. Which season does Christmas occur in the Southern Hemisphere? Summer
10. Who recorded the album A Charlie Brown Christmas? Vince Guaraldi Trio
11. In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, what animal do the Griswolds find in their Christmas tree? A squirrel
12. In The Nightmare Before Christmas, what is Jack Skellington’s title in Halloween Town? The Pumpkin King
13. What holiday drink is known for being served hot with spices and often includes wine? Mulled wine
14. What holiday treat is made from sugar, corn syrup, and butter, then cooled into a crunchy candy, popular in the U.S. during Christmas? Peanut brittle
15. Which department store is credited with popularizing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Montgomery Ward
16. What is Santa Claus known as in the United Kingdom? Father Christmas
17. What reindeer name means “lightning” in Dutch and German? Blitzen
18. What was the original color of Santa Claus’s suit before it became red? He was often depicted in green, blue, or brown.
19. Who is said to have first decorated a Christmas tree with candles? Martin Luther
20. What type of tree is most commonly used as a Christmas tree? There are several answers. You can get one point for each of the top four you can name. Fir tree, Douglass Fir, Fraser Fir, Blue Spruce, Noble Fir
21. In ancient times, Which holiday symbol was thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck? Mistletoe
22. What colors are most commonly associated with Christmas? Red and green
23. What famous children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg was made into a Christmas movie in 2004? The Polar Express
24. Who wrote the classic Christmas song White Christmas, which also inspired a movie? Irving Berlin
25. What phrase does Tiny Tim famously say in A Christmas Carol? “God bless us, everyone!”
Trivia Team Bonus Answers:
1. What substance in the human body naturally releases in higher amounts in response to colder temperatures and darkness? Melatonin
2. Which country is famous for its Christmas tradition of KFC dinners? Japan
3. Who created the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Robert L. May
4. What is the plant’s name known as the “Christmas cactus”? Schlumbergera
5. Who was the original “Saint Nicholas”? A Greek bishop known for his generosity, Saint Nicholas of Myra
(answers) 1. In Home Alone, where is the McCallister family traveling when they leave Kevin behind?
2. Which song does Judy Garland sing in Meet Me in St. Louis, now considered a Christmas classic?
3. In The Polar Express, what is the first gift of Christmas?
4. In A Christmas Story, what gift does Ralphie want so desperately?
5. Which classic Christmas movie stars Bing Crosby singing White Christmas?
6. Although this film, a comedy, was released in June 1983, it took place over the holiday season. Name that film. Hint 1: It featured Dan Akroyd. Hint 2: It also featured Eddie Murphy
7. What is the real name of the character Santa Claus in Miracle on 34th Street?
8. Who plays Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol?
9. What is the name of the young boy left behind in Home Alone?
10. In Die Hard, what building is taken over by terrorists?
11. In It’s a Wonderful Life, what’s the name of George Bailey’s guardian angel?
12. Who played the Grinch in the 2000 live-action adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas?
13. What is the name of the Grinch’s dog in How the Grinch Stole Christmas?
14. What 1947 holiday movie was remade in 1994, starring Richard Attenborough?
15. What department store features in Miracle on 34th Street?
16. In The Santa Clause, what causes Scott Calvin to become Santa?
17. Name the actor who played six roles in The Polar Express.
18. Which classic Christmas movie stars Bing Crosby singing White Christmas?
19. In The Nightmare Before Christmas, what is Jack Skellington’s title in Halloween Town?
20. In A Christmas Carol, what is the name of Scrooge’s underpaid clerk?
21. What does Clark Griswold hope to buy with his Christmas bonus in Christmas Vacation?
22. In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, what animal causes chaos by hiding in the Christmas tree?
23. What Christmas comedy features Arnold Schwarzenegger searching for a Turbo-Man action figure?
24. What famous actor voices the Conductor in The Polar Express?
25. In Elf, what song does Jovie sing to spread Christmas cheer?
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. In the movie Elf, what toy does Buddy not like because it “makes noise”?
2. What is the name of Ralphie’s younger brother in A Christmas Story?
3. In Elf, what are the four main food groups according to Buddy the Elf?
4. Which actor plays the lead in The Christmas Chronicles? HINT: It is on Netflix
5. InHome Alone 2, what is the name of the hotel where Kevin stays in New York?
The Answers:
Christmas Movie Trivia Questions and Answers
1. In Home Alone, where is the McCallister family traveling when they leave Kevin behind? Paris
2. Which song does Judy Garland sing in Meet Me in St. Louis, now considered a Christmas classic? Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
3. In The Polar Express, what is the first gift of Christmas? A bell from Santa’s sleigh
4. In A Christmas Story, what gift does Ralphie want so desperately? A Red Ryder BB gun
5. Which classic Christmas movie stars Bing Crosby singing White Christmas? Holiday Inn
6. Although this film, a comedy, was released in June 1983, it took place over the holiday season. Name that film. Hint 1: It featured Dan Akroyd. Hint 2: It also featured Eddie Murphy Trading Places
7. What is the real name of the character Santa Claus in Miracle on 34th Street? Kris Kringle
8. Who plays Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol? Michael Caine
9. What is the name of the young boy left behind in Home Alone? Kevin McCallister
10. In Die Hard, what building is taken over by terrorists? Nakatomi Plaza
11. In It’s a Wonderful Life, what’s the name of George Bailey’s guardian angel? Clarence
12. Who played the Grinch in the 2000 live-action adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Jim Carrey
13. What is the name of the Grinch’s dog in How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Max
14. What 1947 holiday movie was remade in 1994, starring Richard Attenborough? Miracle on 34th Street
15. What department store features in Miracle on 34th Street? Macy’s
16. In The Santa Clause, what causes Scott Calvin to become Santa? He puts on Santa’s suit after Santa falls off his roof.
17. Name the actor who played six roles in The Polar Express. Tom Hanks
18. Which classic Christmas movie stars Bing Crosby singing White Christmas? Holiday Inn
19. In The Nightmare Before Christmas, what is Jack Skellington’s title in Halloween Town? The Pumpkin King.
20. In A Christmas Carol, what is the name of Scrooge’s underpaid clerk? Bob Cratchit
21. What does Clark Griswold hope to buy with his Christmas bonus in Christmas Vacation? A swimming pool
22. In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, what animal causes chaos by hiding in the Christmas tree? A squirrel.
23. What Christmas comedy features Arnold Schwarzenegger searching for a Turbo-Man action figure? Jingle All the Way
24. What famous actor voices the Conductor in The Polar Express? Tom Hanks
25. In Elf, what song does Jovie sing to spread Christmas cheer? Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
Trivia Team Bonus Answers:
1. In the movie Elf, what toy does Buddy not like because it “makes noise”? Jack-in-the-box
2. What is the name of Ralphie’s younger brother in A Christmas Story? Randy
3. In Elf, what are the four main food groups according to Buddy the Elf? Candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup
4. Which actor plays the lead in The Christmas Chronicles? Kurt Russell
5. InHome Alone 2, what is the name of the hotel where Kevin stays in New York? The Plaza Hotel
(answers) 1. What is Santa Claus known as in the Netherlands?
2. Which company popularized Santa’s red-and-white suit in the 1930s?
3. What snack is traditionally left out for Santa by children on Christmas Eve?
4. Who was the original “Saint Nicholas”?
5. What kind of animals pull Santa’s sleigh according to the traditional Christmas story?
6. How many reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh in the poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas? Bonus Points for each you can name.
7. What does Santa check twice?
8. Which of Santa’s reindeer shares its name with a famous symbol of Valentine’s Day?
9. What year did NORAD begin tracking Santa’s journey?
10. What is the movie’s name where a lawyer defends a man claiming to be the real Santa Claus?
11. What does Santa traditionally leave for children on the “naughty list”?
12. In the song Here Comes Santa Claus, what street is Santa coming down?
13. Who narrates the original 1964Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer TV special?
14. How do reindeer fly, according to legend?
15. Who is credited with writing the poem’Twas the Night Before Christmas?
16. What famous American cartoonist created the modern depiction of Santa Claus?
17. In what year did Santa first appear in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
18. In the song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, what was Rudolph not allowed to do?
19. Which reindeer is known as the fastest?
20. What state has a town named “Santa Claus”?
21. What item of clothing is Santa famous for wearing on his head?
22. What did Santa say to signal his departure in A Visit from St. Nicholas?
23. Which saint is celebrated on December 6th?
24. What reindeer name is also the German word for “thunder”?
25. Who is the German opposite of Santa Claus?
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. What is Santa Claus called in Germany?
2. What job does Hermey the Elf dream of having in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
3. Which country created the tradition of leaving out shoes for Saint Nicholas to fill?
4. What 1821 poem was the first to mention Santa’s sleigh and reindeer?
5. Who created the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
The Answers:
Santa Claus Trivia Quiz Answers
1. What is Santa Claus known as in the Netherlands? Sinterklaas
2. Which company popularized Santa’s red-and-white suit in the 1930s? Coca-Cola
3. What snack is traditionally left out for Santa by children on Christmas Eve? Cookies and milk
4. Who was the original “Saint Nicholas”? A Greek bishop known for his generosity, Saint Nicholas of Myra
5. What kind of animals pull Santa’s sleigh according to the traditional Christmas story? Reindeer
6. How many reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh in the poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas? Bonus Points for each you can name. Eight (Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder and Blixen)
7. What does Santa check twice? His list (to see who’s naughty or nice)
8. Which of Santa’s reindeer shares its name with a famous symbol of Valentine’s Day? Cupid
9. What year did NORAD begin tracking Santa’s journey? 1955.
10. What is the movie’s name where a lawyer defends a man claiming to be the real Santa Claus? Miracle on 34th Street
11. What does Santa traditionally leave for children on the “naughty list”? Coal
12. In the song Here Comes Santa Claus, what street is Santa coming down? Santa Claus Lane.
13. Who narrates the original 1964 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer TV special? Burl Ives.
14. How do reindeer fly, according to legend? With magic dust and Christmas spirit.
15. Who is credited with writing the poem’Twas the Night Before Christmas? Clement Clarke Moore
16. What famous American cartoonist created the modern depiction of Santa Claus? Thomas Nast
17. In what year did Santa first appear in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? 1924.
18. In the song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, what was Rudolph not allowed to do? Join in any reindeer games.
19. Which reindeer is known as the fastest? Dasher
20. What state has a town named “Santa Claus”? Indiana
21. What item of clothing is Santa famous for wearing on his head? A red hat with a white pom-pom.
22. What did Santa say to signal his departure in A Visit from St. Nicholas? “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
23. Which saint is celebrated on December 6th? Saint Nicholas
24. What reindeer name is also the German word for “thunder”? Donner
25. Who is the German opposite of Santa Claus? Krampus
Trivia Team Bonus Answers:
1. What is Santa Claus called in Germany? Weihnachtsmann
2. What job does Hermey the Elf dream of having in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Dentist
3. Which country created the tradition of leaving out shoes for Saint Nicholas to fill? The Netherlands
4. What 1821 poem was the first to mention Santa’s sleigh and reindeer? Old Santeclaus with Much Delight
5. Who created the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Robert L. May
The holidays, especially Christmas, are filled with wonderful things to do, see and watch. As early as the silent film era Christmas movies have become a staple of the holiday season, some are well known and well done. Others are not well known and just as badly done and a few are badly done but well-loved because they are so bad.
This is a list of ten Christmas films that are as essential to Christmas as eggnog and a tree. If you haven’t seen them before most are available to purchase as a disc or in digital format or totally free on YouTube.
The Nativity Story (2006)
Directed by Catherine Hardwicke and starring Oscar Isaac as Joseph and Keisha Castle-Hughes as Mary The Nativity Story is a faithful and sometimes lighthearted look at the birth of Jesus The Christ. There have not been many movies that dealt exclusively with the birth of Jesus though there are many that allude to it. This film dramatizes the events that are chronicled in the first chapters of the books of Matthew and Luke in the Christian Bible. Jesus is the reason why we celebrate Christmas and therefore this is a must-see film to bring at least a slight feeling of reverence for the season.
Scrooge (1951)
This film version of the 1843 classic novel by Charles Dickens Stars Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge and was directed and produced by Brian Desmond Hurst. This is probably the best version of the 100s of the film version of A Christmas Carol. Alistair Sim gives a tour de force performance as an old miser who must face his past present and future self in order to be redeemed. His redemption, his total change of character is a marvel to watch on screen. It was appropriately filmed in black and white and that gives the film the sense of eeriness it needs as a true ghost story. If you only watch one version of A Christmas Carol this is the one.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947 and 1973)
Miracle on 34th Street is the story of Kris Kringle a man who believes himself to be Santa Claus and the lawyer that sets out to prove that he is. The original cast included Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Edmond Gwenn, and a young Natalie Wood. It is interesting to note here that Miss Wood was making The Ghost and Mrs. Muir at the same time as she was making Miracle on 34th Street. I like this version, but I prefer the one that was made for my 12th Christmas in 1973. This version was made for television and starred many actors that I knew well. It was also made in color. The 1973 version starred Jane Alexander, David Hartman, Tom Bosley, Jim Backus, Roddy McDowell, David Doyle, and Sebastián Cabot. Most of these actors were from favorite TV shows or films so I had an easier time relating to them. They tried to update the film in 1994 and that didn’t work at all though I did enjoy Richard Attenborough’s portrayal of Kris it lacked something the first two versions had.
It’s A Wonderful Life or It Happened One Christmas (1946)
It’s a Wonderful Life was released in 1946. It starred James Stewart and Donna Reed and was directed by Frank Capra. The film meant extraordinarily little to me growing up. My parents did not watch it when it was on or even recommend it until it was remade in 1977. The title was changed to It Happened One Christmas and it starred Marlo Thomas, Wayne Rogers, and Chloris Leachman. I fell in love with the second production. It was years later that I saw the original and equally enjoyed it. It’s A Wonderful Life is the story of a man who is so despondent he attempts suicide only to be rescued by his guardian angel. The angel is allowed to show him what the world would be like if the man had never been born. It Happened One Christmas is the exact same story only the roles are all reversed, and it is a despondent woman who is saved by the angel.
The Homecoming A Christmas Story (1971)
This film is actually a pilot episode for the television series that would become known as The Waltons. It starred Patricia Neal, Edgar Bergen, Ellen Corby and Richard Thomas. The story revolved around a family in the 1930s striving to deal well with Christmas during The Great Depression and waiting for their father to come home for the holiday. It is a heartwarming look at how a family weathered hard times and is somewhat based on the life of its creator Earl Hamner Jr. This may be just the film for this year as we look at a Christmas that will be celebrated in a difficult time.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Directed by Vincent Minnelli and starring Judy Garland Meet me in St. Louis is the story of the Smith family and the year leading up to the Saint Louis World’s Fair not long after the turn of the century. It has songs that have long been established as a permanent part of The American Song Book, most notably The Boy Next Door and The Trolley Song. Its most touching moment comes towards the end of the film when Judy’s character, Esther, sings quietly to her little sister Tootie played by Margaret O’Brien a song that has been part of our Christmas ever since. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
White Christmas (1954)
White Christmas is an all-star film featuring the talents of Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen and that great character actress Mary Wickes. With music and lyrics by the most prolific songwriter of the 20th century, Irving Berlin, White Christmas is a treat for the ears and the eyes. It’s the story of two soldiers who, after the Second World War team up and become a popular song and dance team. Upon arriving at an Inn in Vermont they find Their commanding officer struggling to run a ski lodge with no snow. The two begin a scheme to make the lodge profitable and the fun begins. There are not many movies that one could consider perfect. White Christmas is one to be added to that list.
Scrooge The Musical (1970)
Starring Albert Finney this film was made in response to the popularity of Oliver. It is another treat for the senses as the streets of 1843 London are beautifully recreated and the music by Leslie Bricusse is a treat. Songs like Christmas is for Children, Thank You Very Much and my personal favorite December the 25th, stay with long after the movie ends, and that is the essence of a good musical. Of course, the story remains the same Scrooge a miserly old man is visited by 3 spirits who by showing him his past present, and possible future give him a second chance to live well.
The Gathering (1977)
Starring Ed Asner and Maureen Stapleton the Gathering is the story of a man who finds out just before Christmas that he has only a short time left to live. He is estranged from most of his family including his wife, whom he left but never divorced. He decides to go on a trip to try and see his adult children. He goes to his wife for addresses, but she finds out the truth and suggests a gathering of the family at the house. The kids arrive one by one and relationships…well you should watch it yourself. This film is expertly handled by Ed Asner the father as a curmudgeon if ever there was one and Maureen Stapleton as the wife that sees past his flaws. If you’re looking for a miraculous cure for a happy ending it doesn’t happen here, but there are things more important than cures.
The Christmas Box (1995)
The Christmas Box stars Richard Thomas, Maureen O’Hara, and Annette O’Toole. It is the story of a struggling ski shop owner who moves his wife and daughter into the wing of a mansion. The wife would become a companion to the old woman who lives there while the husband took care of the grounds. Richard, the husband, begins to have strange dreams about an angel, and the mystery of the house and the woman who lives there is slowly revealed. This is a beautiful story of people learning to open up to others and finding joy again.
So there you have it a list of ten must-see films for the season. These films did not come off any list or other published material, but they came to form my heart. Other films that deserve an honorable mention are The Christmas Miracle, Elf, Holiday Inn, Christmas in Connecticut, The Muppet’s Christmas Carol, Santa Claus The Movie, and Mrs. Santa Claus. If you have a favorite Christmas movie not listed here please share it in the comments section below. Whatever you watch or do this season may you find joy and peace and a lot of love.
It’s time to celebrate National Cookie Day, and what better way than with a taste of the world’s best cookies? The term “cookie” comes from the Dutch language, which means “small cake.” When referring to these sweet delights that were originally savory or bitter rather than decadent as they are today, the word “cookie” originated.
Cookies arrived in Europe in the 14th century, and they first appeared in America in the 17th century. American cookie consumers loved macaroons and gingerbread early on. In the 19th century, sugar cookies became immensely popular.
Cookie history isn’t just about how and when these little cakes entered our lives. It’s also about who invented them and where they came from. The Italians created biscotti, which is a twice-baked cake that can be dipped in wine! Germans developed gingerbread and Scandinavians perfected crisp krumkake waffles. These hard and crunchy treats were so well received because their ingredients were readily available to them at the time.
Biscotti are popular today as well, especially during holidays like Christmas. They are known by different names around the world, though you’ll most likely hear biscotti referred to as either “cookie” or “ladyfinger.” With all of the different types of cookies in the world, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
National Cookie Day is a great opportunity to try out a new recipe or revisit an old favorite. Whether you like your cookies soft and chewy or hard and crunchy, there’s a recipe out there that will make your taste buds happy. So get in the kitchen and start baking! Who knows, you might just create the next bestselling cookie recipe. Happy National Cookie Day!
NOTE: If you’re looking for some delicious cookie recipes to celebrate National Cookie Day, check out our article “10 Best Cookies Recipes.” You’re sure to find a new favorite!
Happy National Cookie Day! Today is a day to celebrate all things cookies
Over the year’s bakers have experimented with many different varieties of cookies and they have been broken down into various categories such as Bar cookies, Drop cookies, Filled Cookies, Molded cookies, No-bake cookies, Pressed cookies, Refrigerator cookies, Rolled cookies, and Sandwich cookies.
Everyone surely has a favorite! To celebrate the day, perhaps a trip to your local bakery is in order, or even better spend some time with the family today breaking out Grandmas’s recipe book and baking some tried and true favorites.
PCM’s Top Ten Cookies:
1. Chocolate chip cookies
2. Oreos
3. Peanut butter cookies
4. Sugar cookies
5. Oatmeal raisin cookies
6. White chocolate macadamia cookies
7. “No-Bake” cookies
8. Shortbread cookies
9. Butter cookies
10.Molasses cookies
*Arguably, Brownies count as cookies in some regions!
Ultimate Christmas Trivia: 100 Questions to Test Your Holiday Knowledge!
Christmas is a season filled with joy, nostalgia, and plenty of fascinating traditions. Whether you enjoy classic holiday movies, timeless carols, or quirky traditions, this trivia page is here to challenge and entertain. With 100 Christmas-themed questions, it’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or anyone who loves to show off their Christmas spirit!
Do you think you know Christmas inside and out? What famous beverage company helped popularize Santa Claus’s modern image? What Christmas song is the best-selling single of all time? And which U.S. state is officially known as the birthplace of eggnog?
Here’s a sprinkle of bonus trivia to help you get into the festive mood:
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first appeared in a 1939 booklet created by Montgomery Ward but became a Christmas classic when the song debuted in 1949.
The tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace comes from the story of St. Nicholas secretly leaving gold coins in children’s stockings.
The Grinch, from Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, was originally black and white in the book but became green for the iconic 1966 animated special.
The beloved holiday movie Home Alone (1990) was the highest-grossing Christmas film for decades.
Germany is credited with starting the tradition of decorating Christmas trees in the 16th century, often using candles before modern lights.
From religious traditions and festive foods to holiday movies and pop culture moments, these trivia questions cover every aspect of Christmas. Whether hosting a holiday quiz or just brushing up on your Yuletide knowledge, this page has everything you need to make the season merry and bright.
So, how much do you know about Christmas? Grab a cup of cocoa, gather your friends, and start today’s ultimate Christmas trivia challenge!
5. What singer’s Christmas album holds the record for the highest-selling Christmas album of all time? Elvis Presley’s 1957Elvis’ Christmas Album
6. Which holiday treat is shaped like a shepherd’s staff? Candy cane
7. What is the most common Christmas gift according to modern surveys? Gift cards
8. What holiday drink contains cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes nutmeg, often served warm? Mulled wine (or cider)
9. Who composed the Christmas carol Silent Night? Franz Xaver Gruber
10. In A Christmas Story, what gift does Ralphie want so desperately? A Red Ryder BB gun
11. Who originally recorded Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree? Brenda Lee
12. In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, what does Clark Griswold receive as a bonus instead of money? A membership to the Jelly of the Month Club
13. What decoration is traditionally kissed under during Christmas? Mistletoe
14. Looking for the top two answers – you get one point for each. What decoration is commonly placed at the top of a Christmas tree? Star or angel
15. In which two Gospels is the birth of Jesus described? Matthew and Luke
16. What is the traditional dessert served at the end of a Kwanzaa feast? sweet potato pie (or peach cobbler and bread pudding)
17. What year was the first Rockefeller Christmas Tree erected? 1931
18. What was the name of the elf who wanted to be a dentist in Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer? Hermey
19. What is the main ingredient in gingerbread? Molasses
20. Which Christmas song does Judy Garland sing in Meet Me in St. Louis? Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
21. What was the first Rankin-Bass Christmas special? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
22. In Rudolph, who is the ruler of the Island of Misfit Toys? King Moonracer
23. Which holiday tune was the first Christmas song broadcast from space in 1965? The Astronauts on Gemini 6 played Jingle Bells.
24. What traditional Hanukkah food is made from potatoes and is often served with applesauce or sour cream? Latkes
25. What day marks the start of the Christmas shopping season? Black Friday
26. What is the elf’s name that causes mischief in modern Christmas households? Elf on the Shelf
27. In Die Hard, what is the name of the police officer who helps John McClane from outside the building? Sgt. Al Powell
28. What do children in England call Santa Claus? Father Christmas
29. Which Christmas beverage mixes eggs, sugar, milk, and sometimes brandy or rum? Eggnog
30. What food item is traditionally left out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve? Cookies and milk
31. In It’s a Wonderful Life, what happens every time a bell rings? An angel gets its wings
32. What is the most popular Christmas cookie in the U.S.? Chocolate chip cookies
33. Which Christmas song became a civil rights anthem during the 1960s? Go Tell It on the Mountain
34. In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, what animal causes chaos in the house? A squirrel
35. What type of creature is Gizmo in Gremlins, a movie set around Christmas? Mogwai
36. What Christmas-themed plant is known for its red and green leaves? Poinsettia
37. All play. Youngest to oldest. Spell Poinsettia. P-O-I-N-S-E-T-T-I-A
38. What holiday dessert features sponge cake, jam, and whipped cream, often served in a glass bowl? Trifle
39. What colors are most commonly associated with Christmas? Red and green
40. What is the name of the Christmas cactus known for blooming in December? Schlumbergera
41. Name the German character who is the “anti” Santa Claus. Krampus
42. What is the snowman’s name in the Disney movie Frozen? Olaf
43. Name the band that sang Do They Know It’s Christmas for Ethiopian famine relief in 1984. Band Aid
44. In what year did Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You first reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100? 2019. It was first released in 1994.
45. In A Christmas Story, what item does Ralphie’s father win as a “major award”? A leg lamp
46. In Home Alone, what is Kevin’s favorite kind of pizza? Cheese
47. What’s the most popular toy sold during Christmas in history? The Rubik’s Cube
48. What Friends character dresses as the Holiday Armadillo? Ross
49. What Christmas tradition came from an old Norse log-burning custom? The Yule log
50. In which country did the tradition of exchanging Christmas cards begin? England (The United Kingdom)
51. In The Christmas Chronicles 2, who plays Mrs. Claus? HINT: Kurt Russell plays Santa in the film. Goldie Hawn
52. Who sang Frosty the Snowman in the 1969 TV Special? Jimmy Durante
53. What holiday tune is subtitled “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”? The Christmas Song
54. What European country is known for its “Christmas Witch” tradition? Italy
55. What spice is commonly used in eggnog and sprinkled on top for garnish? Nutmeg
56. In A Christmas Carol, how many ghosts visit Ebenezer Scrooge? Four (Jacob Marley and the three spirits of Christmas)
57. What phrase does Frosty say when he comes to life in the 1969 TV special? Happy Birthday!
58. In The Simpsons, what is the name of the family’s Christmas dog? Santa’s Little Helper
59. In what year did 1958’s Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee reach number one on the Billboard Charts? 2023 (December 4, 2023 to be exact)
60. How many sides does a snowflake have due to its molecular structure? Six
61. What is the name of the tradition where kids leave their shoes out for gifts on December 5th? St. Nicholas Day
62. Name the company that popularized Santa’s red-and-white suit in the 1930s. Coca-Cola
63. What color was Santa’s suit before red became popular? Green (Santa was often depicted in green or brown before the modern red suit.)
64. What song does Hugh Grant’s character dance to in Love Actually? Jump (For My Love) by The Pointer Sisters
65. What U.S. president declared Christmas a federal holiday? Ulysses S. Grant
66. What animated movie features Jack Skellington taking over Christmas? The Nightmare Before Christmas
67. What type of nut is often used in holiday decorations? Chestnuts
68. Besides ginger, what spice is commonly used in gingerbread? Cinnamon
69. In Elf, what is the first rule of the Code of Elves? “Treat every day like Christmas.”
70. What do people in Japan traditionally eat on Christmas? KFC
71. What Christmas duet was originally sung by Bing Crosby and David Bowie? Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy
72. In Miracle on 34th Street, what does Kris Kringle use to prove he is Santa Claus? Bags of mail addressed to Santa
73. Which saint is celebrated on December 6th? Saint Nicholas
74. What popular holiday-themed challenge involves avoiding hearing Last Christmas? Whamageddon
75. What Seinfeld holiday is celebrated as an alternative to Christmas? Festivus
76. Who narrates Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town? Fred Astaire (as S.D. Kluger)
77. Who is the main antagonist in Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town? Burgermeister Meisterburger
78 . What Holiday song begins with the line, “Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh”? Jingle Bells
79. What is the name of Santa’s lead reindeer? Dasher
80. Who later replaced Dasher? Rudolph
81. What year was the song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first released? 1949
82. What is the name of the holiday-themed Starbucks drink introduced in 2002? Peppermint Mocha
83. What is the chemical formula for snow? H₂O (Snow is frozen water or H₂O.)
84. What classic holiday song begins with, “You better watch out, you better not cry”? Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
85. What is the German word for Christmas tree? Tannenbaum
86. What color is Santa Claus’s belt? Black
87. What holiday treat is made from sugar, corn syrup, and butter, then cooled into a crunchy candy, popular in the U.S. during Christmas? Peanut brittle
88. What saint is often depicted kneeling at the nativity scene? Saint Francis of Assisi. He is credited with organizing the first living nativity scene in 1223 in Greccio, Italy.
89. What Christmas song did The Cuban Missile Crisis inspire? Do You Hear What I Hear?
90. What is the name of the young girl who sells matches on a cold winter night in Hans Christian Andersen’s story? The Little Match Girl
91. What date is celebrated as “Boxing Day”? December 26
92. Name the British duo who had a hit with Last Christmas. Wham!
93. What Christmas food is often called “figgy pudding” in the classic carol We Wish You a Merry Christmas? Christmas pudding
94. Who recorded the famous Christmas album Merry Christmas in 1994? Mariah Carey
95. What classic children’s book tells the story of a young girl traveling to the Land of Sweets? The Nutcracker
96. Name the composer who wrote the music for the ballet The Nutcracker. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
97. What do Brad and Kate struggle with during the holidays in Four Christmases? Visiting all four of their divorced parents’ families.
98. What holiday classic has the lyric, “Through the years we all will be together if the fates allow”? Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
99. What popular Christmas food is made with dried fruits and nuts and has a long shelf life? Fruitcake
100. What did the Magi (three wise men) bring as gifts for Jesus? Gold, frankincense, and myrrh
Trivia Team Bonus Answers:
1. You get one point for each of the three wise men you can name. Gaspar (or Caspar), Melchior, and Balthasar
2. Who founded Rankin-Bass Productions? Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass
4. What is the name of the red pigment in poinsettias that makes them festive? Anthocyanin
5. What is the nickname of the two crooks in Home Alone? The Wet Bandits (Harry and Marv)
6. What was the nickname for Harry & Marv in Home Alone 2? The Sticky Bandits
7. What is the “first gift of Christmas” in The Polar Express? A bell from Santa’s sleigh
8. What 1821 poem was the first to mention Santa’s sleigh and reindeer? Old Santeclaus with Much Delight
9. In The Grinch, what competition does Cindy Lou Who’s mom participate in? The Christmas lights competition
Holiday music is generally that end of the year, winter solstice, snowy city sidewalk music that makes very little reference to the actual, original meaning of Christmas, and only the most subtle nods to the Birthday Boy. There is singing about the weather, the countdown to Christmas, of holiday bells, silver and gold, even Santa and his team. These songs contain all of the magic of Christmas without any of that religious connotation.
This guy goes into a restaurant for a Christmas breakfast while in his hometown for the holidays. After looking over the menu he says, “I’ll just have the eggs Benedict.” His order comes a while later and it’s served on a big, shiny hubcap.
He asks the waiter, “What’s with the hubcap?” The waiter sings, “O, there’s no plate like chrome for the hollandaise!”
12. What was the name of the pre-Christian winter festival celebrated by Scandinavians that influenced Christmas traditions?
13. Why did Puritans in New England oppose Christmas celebrations?
14. What year was Christmas declared a federal holiday in the United States?
15. What plant, often associated with Christmas, was considered sacred by the ancient Druids?
16. What Christmas song was the first to be broadcast from space?
17. What popular Christmas gift became a huge craze in 1996?
18. What company introduced gift-wrapping Christmas paper?
19. What toy company created “Star Wars” figures that became iconic Christmas gifts in the 1970s?
20. What Roman holiday influenced many Christmas traditions?
21. What Christmas tree tradition began in Germany in the 16th century?
22. What does the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree symbolize?
23. What year was A Christmas Carol published?
24. What does the term “Xmas” stand for?
25. In which country did the tradition of exchanging Christmas cards begin?
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. Can you name the year or person credited with sending the first card?
2. What council in 325 AD helped set the early Christian calendar?
3. What was the first artificial Christmas tree made from?
4. In Germany, what is the name of the sinister companion of St. Nicholas?
5. What country is credited with popularizing the Christmas advent calendar?
The Answers:
Christmas History Trivia Answers
1. In which century did the holiday known as Christmas start being widely celebrated? 4th century
2. What country introduced eggnog to America? England
3. Who wrote the poem A Visit from St. Nicholas? Clement Clarke Moore
4. What is the name of the goat-like figure that accompanies Santa in Scandinavian folklore? The Yule Goat.
5. What medieval Christmas tradition involved people singing from house to house? Wassailing
6. What was Christmas originally called in England during the Middle Ages? Christ’s Mass
7. What does the shape of a candy cane represent? The shepherd’s staff (Often said to represent both the staff and the letter “J” for Jesus.)
8. What was the first state in the U.S. to make Christmas an official holiday? Alabama
9. Which English ruler officially banned Christmas in 1647? Oliver Cromwell
10. Which British author wroteA Christmas Carol, which helped popularize Christmas celebrations? Charles Dickens
11. What Roman holiday was celebrated December 17- 25 before Christmas? Saturnalia
12. What was the name of the pre-Christian winter festival celebrated by Scandinavians that influenced Christmas traditions? Yule
13. Why did Puritans in New England oppose Christmas celebrations? They believed it was too closely associated with pagan rituals and lacked biblical support.
14. What year was Christmas declared a federal holiday in the United States? 1870
15. What plant, often associated with Christmas, was considered sacred by the ancient Druids? Mistletoe
16. What Christmas song was the first to be broadcast from space? Jingle Bells (Played by astronauts aboard Gemini 6 in 1965.)
17. What popular Christmas gift became a huge craze in 1996? Tickle Me Elmo.
18. What company introduced gift-wrapping Christmas paper? Hallmark in 1917
19. What toy company created “Star Wars” figures that became iconic Christmas gifts in the 1970s? Kenner
20. What Roman holiday influenced many Christmas traditions? Saturnalia
21. What Christmas tree tradition began in Germany in the 16th century? Decorating Christmas trees
22. What does the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree symbolize? A beacon of hope, unity, and resilience during the holidays.
23. What year was A Christmas Carol published? 1843
24. What does the term “Xmas” stand for? “X” is derived from the Greek letter Chi, the first letter in “Christ.”
25. In which country did the tradition of exchanging Christmas cards begin? England
Trivia Team Bonus Answers:
1. Can you name the year or person credited with sending the first card? The first Christmas card was designed in England by John Callcott Horsley in 1843 for Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant.
2. What council in 325 AD helped set the early Christian calendar? The Council of Nicaea.
3. What was the first artificial Christmas tree made from? Goose feathers dyed green
4. In Germany, what is the name of the sinister companion of St. Nicholas? Krampus
5. What country is credited with popularizing the Christmas advent calendar? Germany
Christmas Rock can include new takes on old classics, as well as newer original Holiday songs. Like every Pop Culture Madness Music List, we strive to list the most known and popular in this Pop/Rock Christmas Song list.
1.
All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
2.
Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande
3.
Last Christmas – Wham!
4.
Rocking Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
5.
Underneath the Tree – Kelly Clarkson
6.
Hallelujah – Pentatonix
7.
The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) – Nat King Cole
8.
Frosty The Snowman – Jimmy Durante
9.
Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
10.
Merry Christmas Darling – The Carpenters
11.
Christmas Wrapping – The Waitresses
12.
My Only Wish (This Year) – Britney Spears
13.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Michael Bublé
14.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Perry Como
15.
A Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives
16.
Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer – Gene Autry
17.
Little Saint Nick – Beach Boys
18.
Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) – Trans Siberian Orchestra
The first Thanksgiving was probably in September or early October. We don’t know the exact dates, but we do know it was a three-day event. The Indians did celebrate with the Pilgrims, and over the past 400 years, some of the specifics have gotten a little fuzzy. Some people claim the First Thanksgiving was actually earlier, in Virginia or even Canada.
The Pilgrims did not celebrate Easter or Christmas, believing they were based on Pagan celebrations.
The Mayflower, the Pilgrims’ ship, is also called the Epigaea repens. In 1629, a second ship, the Mayflower, made a voyage from London to Plymouth Colony, carrying 35 passengers; the original was scrapped after its return.
The trip to Plymouth Rock took 66 days, with 105 passengers (2 died en route) and an estimated crew of 25-30. William Bradford wrote everything we know about the trip.
Unlike today’s feast, which includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, etc., the original Thanksgiving menu probably included duck, venison, fish, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, and squash. The pilgrims weren’t really prepared for baking and didn’t have access to butter, etc., so they did not have pies on the first Thanksgiving.
In 1863, Abraham Lincoln declared the fourth Thursday of November to be a National Day of Thanksgiving. That idea was pushed by a Philadelphia writer named Sarah Hale. The Civil War was going on, and she wanted to remind people that there was still a lot to be thankful for in the United States.
In 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt signed a joint resolution of Congress changing the national Thanksgiving Day from the last Thursday in November to the fourth Thursday of November. The big reason was Christmas Shopping. This gives four full weeks of the Holiday Shopping Season.
The big one is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. It is the World’s Largest Parade — It started in 1924 and has been televised since 1952. It also features one of Santa’s Helpers at the parade’s end to officially open The Holiday Season.
PCM’s sources say The Real Santa is actually at The oldest Thanksgiving Parade in Philadelphia – Now called the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade was originally The Gimbels Thanksgiving Day Parade, which started in 1920 on November 25.
Every year before the Thanksgiving holiday, the President chooses a turkey or two to spare from your dining room table. In a ceremony at the White House, one official turkey and the occasional alternate gobbler are pardoned.
Some say this tradition began with Harry Truman in 1947*, but it became official in 1989 under President G.W. Bush. Rumor has it, President Truman ‘pardoned’ the turkey that was his selected Thanksgiving meal.
Names for the lucky birds are chosen by voters on the White House website.
Here is a list of some previously pardoned turkeys: 1863 – Jack, Tad Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s son, kept him as a pet. 1947 – no documentation, the Truman family probably ate it. 1999 – Harry 2000 – Jerry 2001 – Liberty 2002 – Katie (the first pardoned female turkey) and Zack 2003 – Stars and Stripes 2004 – Biscuit and Gravy 2005 – Marshmallow and Yam 2006 – Flyer and Fryer 2007 – May and Flower 2008 – Pumpkin and Pecan 2009 – Courage and Carolina 2010 – Apple and Cider 2011 – Liberty and Peace 2012 – Cobbler and Gobbler 2013 – Popcorn and Caramel 2014 – Cheese and Mac 2015 – Abe and Honest 2016 – Tator and Tot 2017 – Drumstick and Wishbone 2018 – Peas and Carrots 2019 – Bread and Butter 2020 – Corn and Cob 2021 – Peanut Butter and Jelly 2022 – Chocolate and Chip 2023- Liberty and Bell 2024 – Peach and Blossom 2015 – Gobble and Waddle
Turkey Trivia
Only male Turkeys ‘Gobble”.
Turkeys are native to North America.
Male Turkeys are called Toms, female turkeys are called Hens and baby turkeys are called poults.
The red skin attached to the underside of a turkey’s beak is called a ‘wattle’.
Benjamin Franklin argued that the Turkey should be our National Bird.
Thanksgiving Etiquette
Dress appropriately and arrive on time.
A centerpiece for the table should never be anything prepared by a taxidermist.
Do not bring uninvited guests.
Do not allow the dog to eat at the table… no matter how good his manners are.
No scented candles!
The eldest member(s) should sit first.
Never arrive empty-handed.
If dining in a restaurant, tip unusually well.
Big game on the television? Turn the TV off during the meal. Same with cell phones.
No discussion of politics. Make a game of it – first who does must get drinks or serve to the rest of the table.
Offer to help clean up, and mean it.
Thanksgiving Quotes
“I love November and the American tradition of Thanksgiving. But in reality, every day should be Thanksgiving.” – Sharon Jaynes, Does God Feel at Home in Your Heart?
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” – Willie Nelson
“The turkey. The sweet potatoes. The stuffing. The pumpkin pie. Is there anything else we all can agree so vehemently about? I don’t think so.” – Nora Ephron
“Thanksgiving Day is a good day to recommit our energies to giving thanks and just giving.” – Amy Grant
“Thanksgiving is the expression of gratitude, an acknowledgment of favors or divine goodness. It is an act of appreciation, often directed to God for all He has done or is doing in our lives.” – Joseph A Iyongo, Thanksgiving: Recipe for Blessed Living
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy
“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” – Thornton Wilder
“Thanksgiving day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude.” – E.P. Powell
“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” – Friedrich Koenig
Thanksgiving Jokes
A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store but she couldn’t find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy, ‘Do these turkeys get any beggir?’ The stock boy replied, ‘No ma’am, they’re dead.’
“May I say the prayer before Thanksgiving dinner?” Tom asked gracefully.
Thanksgiving, for me, was the only holiday that wasn’t completely commercialized like Christmas, Halloween, and Easter till Black Friday rolled around.
How many cooks does it take to stuff a turkey? Only one, but you REALLY have to squeeze to get him in.
Why did the pilgrim’s pants fall down? Because he had his buckle in his hat.
When does Christmas come before Thanksgiving? In the dictionary.
If April showers bring May flowers what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims.
Uncredited Thanksgiving Quotes
I’m excited about Thanksgiving because I love unwelcome parenting advice from relatives I see twice a year.
Thanksgiving is great because people tend to speak less when food is lodged in their mouths.
There is a special place in hell for people that play Christmas music before Thanksgiving.
You don’t need Thanksgiving to hate your family.
Turkeys make the same sound that Americans do as they consume them every Thanksgiving.
If I was a turkey, I’d be doing everything I could to taste terrible right now.
On Thanksgiving Day, all over America, families sit down to dinner at the same moment… halftime.
Happy Turkey Day, America! Don’t forget to name the turkey and make everyone uncomfortable.
Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And then discover once a year is way too often.
Thanksgiving Trivia: How Much Do You Know About This Historic Holiday?
Thanksgiving is more than just turkey and pie—it’s rich with history, traditions, and fascinating trivia. From its origins as a harvest celebration to its evolution into a national holiday filled with food, parades, and football, there’s so much to discover about this uniquely American celebration.
Do you know Thanksgiving? Test yourself with questions like Who proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday? What popular side dish wasn’t part of the first Thanksgiving? When did the first Thanksgiving football game take place? And what’s the connection between Thanksgiving and TV dinners?
Here’s some extra Thanksgiving trivia to whet your appetite:
The first Thanksgiving feast in 1621 was a three-day event shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe, featuring venison, seafood, and local produce—but no pumpkin pie or mashed potatoes!
Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863, thanks to President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation issued during the Civil War.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debuted in 1924, originally featuring live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo.
The tradition of Thanksgiving football games began in 1876 with a collegiate matchup between Yale and Princeton, while the NFL adopted the custom in 1920.
In the 1950s, Thanksgiving leftovers led to the invention of the TV dinner, when Swanson overestimated the demand for frozen turkeys and repackaged the extras.
Thanksgiving has become one of America’s most beloved holidays, blending food, family, and gratitude into a day of reflection and celebration. This trivia page dives into its history, cultural significance, and fun facts, making it perfect for a little pre-feast competition or post-dinner fun.
So, how much do you know about Thanksgiving? From Pilgrim lore to modern-day traditions, this quiz will put your knowledge to the test. Start exploring and make your Thanksgiving even more memorable!
1. How many feathers does a typical adult turkey have?
2. Which sport is traditionally watched on Thanksgiving in the United States?
3. Which year did the Pilgrims celebrate the first Thanksgiving?
4. What was the ship’s name that brought the Pilgrims to America?
5. Which Native American tribe celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims?
6. In Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, what mode of transportation does NOT break down during the trip?
7. Which actor plays Del Griffith in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles?
8. What does Snoopy (& Woodstock) serve at the Thanksgiving meal in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving? You get one point for each of the four items you can name.
9. What is a male turkey called?
10. Which U.S. president moved the date of Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November to increase holiday shopping?
11. What meat did the Pilgrims and Native Americans likely eat at the first Thanksgiving?
12. Which Friends character gets their head stuck in a turkey?
13. How fast can a wild turkey run?
14. Which country celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October?
15. How long does it take to defrost a 20-pound turkey in the refrigerator?
16. Name the seasonal song by Adam Sandler that became famous on Saturday Night Live.
17. What alternative to the bald eagle did Benjamin Franklin famously propose as a national symbol?
18. What year did the first official “Turkey Pardon” take place?
19. In the TV show The Simpsons, what is the name of the Thanksgiving episode where Bart accidentally ruins the family dinner?
20. Who is responsible for officially “pardoning” the turkey annually?
21. How many calories does the average person consume on Thanksgiving Day?
22. What sound do male turkeys make that females do not?
23. What sound does a female turkey make?
22. How many turkeys are typically pardoned by the President each year?
24. How many pounds of turkey are consumed by Americans each Thanksgiving?
25. How much does the average Thanksgiving turkey weigh?
26. What famous American historical figure once refused to declare Thanksgiving a holiday, calling it unnecessary?
27. Which president declared Thanksgiving a national holiday?
28. How much does the average American spend on Thanksgiving dinner?
29. Which state was the first to adopt Thanksgiving as an annual holiday?
30. How many hours of television do Americans watch on average on Thanksgiving Day?
31. What popular Thanksgiving side dish uses marshmallows as a topping?
32. Which department store chain sponsors the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
33. What city hosts the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the U.S.?
34. In what decade was canned cranberry sauce first sold in the U.S.?
35. What state has an official “Turkey Capital” of the world?
36. What do Americans call the day after Thanksgiving?
37. In what year did Thanksgiving become an official U.S. holiday?
38. What percent of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
39. What is the most popular Thanksgiving side dish in the United States?
40. What dance is performed by the Radio City Rockettes in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
41. What do you call a group of wild turkeys?
42. What is the name of the long-running Thanksgiving Day parade in Detroit?
43. What U.S. state named the wild turkey its official state game bird?
44. What meat was President Abraham Lincoln’s family served for Thanksgiving dinner?
45. What was the original reason for the first Thanksgiving celebration?
46. Which professional sport has a league that pauses for Thanksgiving to honor the holiday?
47. What year was the green bean casserole invented?
48. What is the name of the Thanksgiving song written by Lydia Maria Child?
49. In which book by Louisa May Alcott do characters celebrate a Thanksgiving feast?
50. What Thanksgiving dish inspired the first-ever TV dinner?
51. Who was the governor of the Plymouth colony during the first Thanksgiving?
52. What city hosts an annual Thanksgiving Day race called the Turkey Trot?
53. Which Thanksgiving food has the fewest calories per serving: mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cranberry sauce?
54. What red berry is a Thanksgiving staple often made into a sauce?
55. What is the term for a baby cranberry?
56. What type of plant do cranberries grow on?
57. Which U.S. state raises the most cranberries?
58. Which Thanksgiving food was found at the site of the original Jamestown colony?
59. What cartoon character has most appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
60. Which American holiday did Sarah Josepha Hale campaign for over 30 years to make official?
66. How many pumpkin pies are typically consumed on Thanksgiving in the U.S.?
67. Who painted Freedom from Want, a famous Thanksgiving scene?
68. What is the top online search for Thanksgiving in the U.S.?
69. What type of pie is most associated with Thanksgiving today?
70. Which popular dish was probably NOT served at the first Thanksgiving?
71. How long did the first Thanksgiving celebration last?
72. What is the traditional main course at Canadian Thanksgiving?
73. What year was A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving first aired on television?
74. What do some Native Americans observe on Thanksgiving instead of celebrating?
75. What vegetable often used in Thanksgiving dinners was once thought to have poisonous leaves?
76. What day is Thanksgiving held in Canada?
77. What is the heaviest turkey ever recorded?
78. What utensil did the Pilgrims likely not use during the first Thanksgiving?
79. What is Butterball’s Turkey Talk Line?
80. What famous Thanksgiving float character debuted in the Macy’s parade in 1968?
81. What is a baby turkey called?
82. What was the first famous Thanksgiving float character in the Macy’s parade in 1927?
83. What is the red, fleshy part of a turkey’s beak called?
84. What year did Butterball start the Turkey Talk Line?
85. What cooking method became popular in the 2000s for preparing Thanksgiving turkeys?
86. How many hours should a turkey cook if it weighs 20 pounds?
87. What state consumes the most turkey per capita during Thanksgiving?
88. What popular social media platform sees a surge in Thanksgiving recipe searches?
89. Which African country celebrates Thanksgiving with family gatherings in August?
90. This famous 19th-century author’s Thanksgiving stories were widely published in magazines. Name her.
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. Sarah Josepha Hale also wrote a poem (that became a song) that most people still know today. Name that tune.
2. Which TV show has an episode called “Slapsgiving”?
3. What Broadway Musical features a song called “Turkey Lurkey Time”?
4. True or False: Turkeys can fly.
5. Which NFL player holds the record for most rushing yards on Thanksgiving?
6. Which part of the turkey changes color depending on its mood?
7. On Friends, what dish does Rachel accidentally make with beef?
8. What was the first television show to feature a Thanksgiving-themed episode?
9. What year was the first Thanksgiving football game televised?
10. What is the name of the Native American who helped the Pilgrims survive their first winter?
The Answers:
Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz Answers
1. How many feathers does a typical adult turkey have? About 5,000
2. Which sport is traditionally watched on Thanksgiving in the United States? Football
3. Which year did the Pilgrims celebrate the first Thanksgiving? 1621
4. What was the ship’s name that brought the Pilgrims to America? The Mayflower
5. Which Native American tribe celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims? The Wampanoag
6. In Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, what mode of transportation does NOT break down during the trip? Train
7. Which actor plays Del Griffith in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles? John Candy
8. What does Snoopy (& Woodstock) serve at the Thanksgiving meal in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving? You get one point for each of the four items you can name. Toast, popcorn, pretzels, and jelly beans
9. What is a male turkey called? A tom
10. Which U.S. president moved the date of Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November to increase holiday shopping? Franklin D. Roosevelt
11. What meat did the Pilgrims and Native Americans likely eat at the first Thanksgiving? Deer (venison), not turkey
12. Which Friends character gets their head stuck in a turkey? Monica, in a flashback
13. How fast can a wild turkey run? Up to 20 mph
14. Which country celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October? Canada
15. How long does it take to defrost a 20-pound turkey in the refrigerator? About 4-5 days
16. Name the seasonal song by Adam Sandler that became famous on Saturday Night Live. The Thanksgiving Song
17. What alternative to the bald eagle did Benjamin Franklin famously propose as a national symbol? The national bird of the United States.
18. What year did the first official “Turkey Pardon” take place? 1989 (Some presidents did pardon turkeys informally earlier)
19. In the TV show The Simpsons, what is the name of the Thanksgiving episode where Bart accidentally ruins the family dinner? Bart vs. Thanksgiving
20. Who is responsible for officially “pardoning” the turkey annually? The President of the United States
21. How many calories does the average person consume on Thanksgiving Day? Around 4,500
22. What sound do male turkeys make that females do not? Gobble
23. What sound does a female turkey make? Cluck
22. How many turkeys are typically pardoned by the President each year? Two (one main turkey and one alternate)
24. How many pounds of turkey are consumed by Americans each Thanksgiving? About 46 million
25. How much does the average Thanksgiving turkey weigh? 15 pounds
26. What famous American historical figure once refused to declare Thanksgiving a holiday, calling it unnecessary? Thomas Jefferson
27. Which president declared Thanksgiving a national holiday? Abraham Lincoln
28. How much does the average American spend on Thanksgiving dinner? Around $50–$60 (This figure varies by year, based on food cost data from the American Farm Bureau Federation)
29. Which state was the first to adopt Thanksgiving as an annual holiday? New York
30. How many hours of television do Americans watch on average on Thanksgiving Day? 7 hours (with football and holiday specials being popular)
31. What popular Thanksgiving side dish uses marshmallows as a topping? Sweet potato casserole
32. Which department store chain sponsors the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Macy’s
33. What city hosts the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the U.S.? Philadelphia (Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day Parade started in 1920)
34. In what decade was canned cranberry sauce first sold in the U.S.? The 1910s (The first commercial canned cranberry sauce appeared in 1912 by Ocean Spray)
35. What state has an official “Turkey Capital” of the world? Minnesota (Minnesota produces the most turkeys in the U.S., though multiple cities claim the “Turkey Capital” title)
36. What do Americans call the day after Thanksgiving? Black Friday
37. In what year did Thanksgiving become an official U.S. holiday? 1863
38. What percent of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving? About 88% (According to the National Turkey Federation)
39. What is the most popular Thanksgiving side dish in the United States? Mashed potatoes
40. What dance is performed by the Radio City Rockettes in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? The kickline (The Rockettes perform their famous kickline)
41. What do you call a group of wild turkeys? A rafter or flock
42. What is the name of the long-running Thanksgiving Day parade in Detroit? America’s Thanksgiving Parade.
43. What U.S. state named the wild turkey its official state game bird? Alabama
44. What meat was President Abraham Lincoln’s family served for Thanksgiving dinner? Turkey (Lincoln’s family reportedly served turkey, which he officially designated for Thanksgiving celebrations)
45. What was the original reason for the first Thanksgiving celebration? To celebrate a successful harvest
46. Which professional sport has a league that pauses for Thanksgiving to honor the holiday? The NBA and NHL traditionally have no games on Thanksgiving Day.
47. What year was the green bean casserole invented? 1955. The iconic dish was created by Dorcas Reilly at the Campbell Soup Company as a quick and simple side.
48. What is the name of the Thanksgiving song written by Lydia Maria Child? Over the River and Through the Wood
49. In which book by Louisa May Alcott do characters celebrate a Thanksgiving feast? Little Women
50. What Thanksgiving dish inspired the first-ever TV dinner? Leftover turkey. In 1953, Swanson created the TV dinner after overestimating their turkey supply and finding a creative way to use the surplus.
51. Who was the governor of the Plymouth colony during the first Thanksgiving? William Bradford
52. What city hosts an annual Thanksgiving Day race called the Turkey Trot? Buffalo, NY (One of the oldest Turkey Trots, held since 1896)
53. Which Thanksgiving food has the fewest calories per serving: mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cranberry sauce? Cranberry sauce (Typically, cranberry sauce has fewer calories than traditional stuffing and mashed potatoes)
54. What red berry is a Thanksgiving staple often made into a sauce? Cranberries
55. What is the term for a baby cranberry? There isn’t a specific term for a “baby cranberry,” though it’s called a “cranberry bud” before it matures.
56. What type of plant do cranberries grow on? Cranberries grow on vines.
57. Which U.S. state raises the most cranberries? Wisconsin
58. Which Thanksgiving food was found at the site of the original Jamestown colony? Corn (maize) (Corn was widely cultivated by Native Americans and found by settlers)
59. What cartoon character has most appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Snoopy (Snoopy holds the record for the most appearances as a balloon)
60. Which American holiday did Sarah Josepha Hale campaign for over 30 years to make official? Thanksgiving
66. How many pumpkin pies are typically consumed on Thanksgiving in the U.S.? Around 50 million
67. Who painted Freedom from Want, a famous Thanksgiving scene? Norman Rockwell
68. What is the top online search for Thanksgiving in the U.S.? Thanksgiving recipes
69. What type of pie is most associated with Thanksgiving today? Pumpkin pie
70. Which dish was probably NOT served at the first Thanksgiving? Pumpkin pie (pumpkin was likely eaten but not as pie)
71. How long did the first Thanksgiving celebration last? Three days
72. What is the traditional main course at Canadian Thanksgiving? Turkey (Turkey is traditional in Canada, similar to the U.S.)
73. What year was A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving first aired on television? 1973
74. What do some Native Americans observe on Thanksgiving instead of celebrating? National Day of Mourning (Observed by some Native American groups to honor their ancestors)
75. What vegetable often used in Thanksgiving dinners was once thought to have poisonous leaves? Potatoes
76. What day is Thanksgiving held in Canada? The second Monday in October
77. What is the heaviest turkey ever recorded? 86 pounds
78. What utensil did the Pilgrims likely not use during the first Thanksgiving? Forks (they used knives and spoons)
79. What is Butterball’s Turkey Talk Line? A hotline that helps callers with turkey-cooking questions
80. What famous Thanksgiving float character debuted in the Macy’s parade in 1968? Snoopy
81. What is a baby turkey called? A poult
82. What was the first famous Thanksgiving float character in the Macy’s parade in 1927? Felix The Cat
83. What is the red, fleshy part of a turkey’s beak called? A snood
84. What year did Butterball start the Turkey Talk Line? 1981
85. What cooking method became popular in the 2000s for preparing Thanksgiving turkeys? Deep frying
86. How many hours should a turkey cook if it weighs 20 pounds? 4 to 5 hours at 325°F
87. What state consumes the most turkey per capita during Thanksgiving? California.
88. What popular social media platform sees a surge in Thanksgiving recipe searches? Pinterest
89. Which African country celebrates Thanksgiving with family gatherings in August? Liberia
90. This famous 19th-century author’s Thanksgiving stories were widely published in magazines. Name her. Sarah Josepha Hale
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. Sarah Josepha Hale also wrote a poem (that became a song) that most people still know today. Name that tune. Mary had a Little Lamb.
2. Which TV show has an episode called “Slapsgiving”? How I Met Your Mother
3. What Broadway Musical features a song called “Turkey Lurkey Time”? Promises, Promises
4. True or False: Turkeys can fly. True (wild turkeys can fly short distances)
5. Which NFL player holds the record for most rushing yards on Thanksgiving? Barry Sanders
6. Which part of the turkey changes color depending on its mood? The head
7. On Friends, what dish does Rachel accidentally make with beef? Trifle
8. What was the first television show to feature a Thanksgiving-themed episode? The Burns and Allen Show in 1952.
9. What year was the first Thanksgiving football game televised? 1939
10. What is the name of the Native American who helped the Pilgrims survive their first winter? Squanto.
1269 – The present church building at Westminster Abbey was consecrated.
1775 – The United States Navy (Continental Navy) was authorized by the Second Continental Congress.
1792 – The cornerstone for the White House was laid.
October 13, 1961 Birthday (fictional) Fox Mulder, The X-Files
If you were born on October 13th, You were likely conceived the week of… January 20th (same year)
US Navy Birthday
The original fleet consisted largely of the Continental Army, which frankly did not manage to do much in the American Revolution itself. The Navy was disbanded in 1794, although it played an important role during the Revolutionary War. This fleet was called the “Continental Army” and was responsible for disrupting supplies from Britain to our country.
Two years after the American Revolution, it was dissolved, but deemed necessary in 1794, when the US government recognized the need to protect American interests against piracy and rival powers in the Western Hemisphere. In 1972, President Lyndon B. Johnson and Secretary of the Navy Elmo D. Brown authorized the official recognition of October 13 as the birthday of the US Navy.
October 13th is…
English Language Day Failure Day Silly Sayings Day Skeptics Day Train Your Brain Day US Navy Birthday Yorkshire Pudding Day
October 13th Birthday Quotes
“I do not regret one moment of my life.” – Lillie Langtry
“If you’re going to be able to look back on something and laugh about it, you might as well laugh about it now.” – Marie Osmond
“The American Constitution was not written to protect criminals; it was written to protect the government from becoming criminals.” – Lenny Bruce
“Answers make you wise, but questions make you human.” – Yves Montand
“I was eating in a Chinese restaurant downtown. There was a dish called Mother and Child Reunion. It’s chicken and eggs. And I said I gotta use that one.” – Paul Simon
“It’s so important to never limit yourself, to find yourself in a box.” – Ashanti
October 13th Birthdays
1853 – Lillie Langtry, English actress and singer (died in 1929) 1909 – Art Tatum, American jazz pianist (died in 1956) 1921 – Yves Montand, Italian-French actor (died in 1991) 1925 – Lenny Bruce, American comedian (died in 1966) 1926 – Killer Kowalski, American wrestler (died in 2008) 1935 – Bruce ‘Cousin Brucie’ Morrow, American radio host, and actor 1941 – Paul Simon, American singer-songwriter 1942 – Jerry Jones, American businessman, longtime owner of The Dallas Cowboys 1956 – Chris Carter, American director, producer, and screenwriter, The X-Files 1959 – Marie Osmond, American singer, actress, and television spokesperson 1962 – Kelly Preston, American actress 1962 – Jerry Rice, American football player 1969 – Nancy Kerrigan, American figure skater 1971 – Sacha Baron Cohen, English comedian, and actor 1980 – Ashanti, American singer-songwriter 2001 – Caleb McLaughlin, American actor
October 13th History
1773 – The Whirlpool Galaxy, almost 25 million light-years away, was discovered by Charles Messier.
1775 – The United States Continental Congress ordered the establishment of the Continental Navy (later renamed the United States Navy).
1843 – B’nai B’rith was founded in New York City.
1917 – The 10 minute “Miracle of the Sun” was witnessed by an estimated 70,000 people in the Cova da Iria in Fátima, Portugal.
1958 – Paddington Bear made his debut in A Bear Called Paddington.
October 13, 1961 Birthday (fictional) Fox Mulder, The X-Files, TV
1963 (Volcano Eruption) Kuril Islands
1979 – #1 Hit October 13, 1979 – October 19, 1979: Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough
1984 – #1 Hit October 13, 1984 – November 2, 1984: Stevie Wonder – I Just Called to Say I Love You
1990 – #1 Hit October 13, 1990 – October 19, 1990: George Michael – Praying For Time
1991- Jennifer Lopez joined the cast of In Living Color as a Fly Girl. Jamie Foxx, Steve Park, and Shawn Wayans were also added to the cast.
2010 – The 2010 Copiapo mining accident in Copiapo, Chile ended as all 33 miners came to the surface after surviving a record 69 days underground.
October 13, 2324 Birthday (fictional) Beverly Crusher, Star Trek: The Next Generation, TV
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
The band Aerosmith made more money on Guitar Hero: Aerosmith than any of their albums.
Rome held the record for ‘largest city ever’ (1.2M people) for over 1600 years, before being surpassed by Beijing in the early 19th century.
The word ‘graffiti’ is actually the plural of ‘graffito’
I’m cutting the sleeves off my Snuggie because it makes me look more badass.
The word “quintessential” is actually Latin for ‘the fifth element”.
“An old man dies. A young woman lives. Fairtrade.” – Sin City #moviequotes
Red M&Ms were eliminated in 1976 over concern about the dye amaranth that could be carcinogenic despite M&Ms not containing it.
A group of Tasks is an Agenda.
I was gonna post a joke about apathy, but then I figured, why bother?
“I’m as pure as the driven slush.” – Tallulah Bankhead
“Star Wars” was originally prefixed by the definite article ‘The’.
The first TV commercial aired on July 1, 1941. Bulova Watches paid for the 10-second spot, shown before a baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies at Ebbets Field.
1847 – The first US postage stamps were issued (Ben Franklin 5 cents & George Washington 10 cents)
1848 – The first publication of a photograph in a newspaper, in L’illustraion Journel Universel
1862 – The Internal Revenue Service was established
1874 – The Philadelphia ‘America’s Oldest’ Zoo opened
July 1, 1899 Birthday (fictional) Indiana Jones, Movies
1941 – NBC became broadcasting from the Empire State Building, NYC
1916 WWI – The Battle of Somme began, lasting until November 13
1963 – The US Zip (Zone Improvement Plan) Codes were inaugurated
1968 – Medicare went to effect (USA)
If you were born on July 1st, You were likely conceived the week of… October 8th (prior year)
America’s First Zoo
In the United States the Philadelphia Zoological Garden, opened July 1, 1874, is known as “America’s First Zoo.” It was planned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on March 21, 1859, but its opening was delayed due to the Civil War until July 1, 1874. When the zoo opened, it featured 1,000 animals and the admission price was 25 cents
The United States is home to 230 accredited zoos and aquariums. These facilities play a major role in conserving endangered species, as well as providing people with the opportunity for animal-themed entertainment.
July First is Resolution Renewal Day, 6 months after New Years resolutions The first full week in July is Be Nice to Jersey Week
July 1 is…
American Zoo Day Canada Day Devotion to Duty Day Early Bird Day International Chicken Wing Day National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day National Gingersnap Day National Postal Workers Day /U.S. Postage Stamp Day Second Half of the New Year Day
July 1 Birthday Quotes
“Perhaps in time, the so-called Dark Ages will be thought of as including our own.” – Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (born July 1, 1742)
“It’s hard to keep on being civil when they ask you such annoying questions.” Olivia de Havilland
“We’re on a mission from God. – Elwood J. Blues (Dan Akroyd), in The Blues Brothers
“Give credit where credit is due: simply said, if you want loyalty and best effort, you must be thoughtful.” – Estée Lauder
“Family is the most important thing in the world.” – Diana, Princess of Wales
“You can make your life whatever you want it to be” – Wally Amos
“One is happy as a result of one’s own efforts, once one knows the necessary ingredients of happiness — simple tastes, a certain degree of courage, self-denial to a point, love of work, and, above all, a clear conscience.” – George Sand
“Eventually you just have to realize that you’re living for an audience of one. I’m not here for anyone else’s approval.” – Pamela Anderson
July 1 Birthdays
1742 – Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (died on February 24, 1799) 1804 – George Sand, French novelist (died on June 8, 1876) 1807 – Thomas Green Clemson, American politician and educator, founded Clemson University 1899 – Charles Laughton, English-American actor (died in 1962) 1899 – Konstantinos Tsatsos, Greek scholar and politician, President of Greece (died in 1987) 1906 – Estée Lauder, American businesswoman, co-founded the Estée Lauder Companies (died in 2004) 1912 – Sally Kirkland, American journalist (died in 1989) 1916 – Olivia de Havilland, British-American actress 1924 – Florence Stanley, American actress (died in 2003) 1934 – Jamie Farr, American actor 1934 – Jean Marsh, English actress 1935 – David Prowse, English actor 1936 – Wally Amos, American entrepreneur and founder of Famous Amos 1939 – Karen Black, American actress (died in 2013) 1941 – Twyla Tharp, American dancer and choreographer 1945 – Debbie Harry, American singer-songwriter and actress 1950 – David Duke, American white supremacist 1951 – Fred Schneider, American singer-songwriter and keyboard player (B-52s) 1952 – Dan Aykroyd, Canadian actor and screenwriter 1960 – Evelyn “Champagne” King, American soul/disco singer 1961 – Diana, Princess of Wales (died on August 31, 1997) 1967 – Pamela Anderson, Canadian-American model and actress 1982 – Hilarie Burton, American actress 1995 – Savvy Shields, Miss America 2017 2001 – Chosen Jacobs, American actor
July 1 History
1770 – Lexell’s Comet passed closer to the Earth than any other comet in recorded history.
1819 – Johann Georg Tralles discovered the Great Comet of 1819, (C/1819 N1). It was the first comet analyzed using polarimetry, by François Arago.
1874 – The Sholes and Glidden typewriter, the first commercially successful typewriter, went on sale.
1881 – The world’s first international telephone call was made between St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, and Calais, Maine, United States.
1898 – The Battle of San Juan Hill was fought in Santiago de Cuba. (Spanish-American War)
July 1, 1899 Birthday (fictional) Indiana Jones, Indian Jones, Movies
1908 – SOS was adopted as the international distress signal. Three dits, three dahs, and three dits – SOS is the only nine-element signal in Morse code.
July 1, 1941 – The first commercial aired before an MLB game between the Dodgers and the Phillies. It was for Bulova Watches.
1943 – Tokyo City merged with the Tokyo Prefecture area and was dissolved. Since this date, no city in Japan actually has the name “Tokyo” – that is, present-day Tokyo is not officially a city.
1952 – The Liberace Show debuted on KLAC-Tv in Los Angeles.
1963 – ZIP codes were introduced for US mail.
1965 – Maurice Masse, a farmer, in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France said he was ‘frozen’ by aliens while investigating the strange noises they were making.
1967 – #1 Hit July 1, 1967 – July 28, 1967: The Association – Windy
1971 – The Post Office Department (1792 – 1971) became the United States Postal Service
1972 – #1 Hit July 1, 1972 – July 7, 1972: Neil Diamond – Song Sung Blue
1972 – The first Gay Pride march in England took place.
July 1, 1976 – The Apple I was released.
1979 – Sony introduced the Walkman (in Japan).
1980 – O Canada officially became the national anthem of Canada.
1985 – A&E separated from sister channel Nickelodeon.
1984 – The PG-13 rating was introduced by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).
1985 – Nike-at-Nite began on Nickelodeon
1989 – #1 Hit July 1, 1989 – July 7, 1989: Milli Vanilli – Baby Don’t Forget My Number
1991 – Court TV, which later became truTV, began airing in the US.
2006 – #1 Hit July 1, 2006 – July 7, 2006: Taylor Hicks – Do I Make You Proud
2007 – Smoking in England was banned in all public indoor spaces.
2007 – The Concert for Diana was held at the new Wembley Stadium in London and broadcast in 140 countries, on which would have been her 46th birthday.
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
The Seven Virtues #6- Prudence is care of and moderation with money.
If people thought before they spoke… the world would be a quieter place.
The Turboencabulator is a fictional device whose alleged existence is an in-joke amongst engineers.
Historians believe Sacagawea died in 1812 at 24…or 1884 at 94. They are not sure.
“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” – Pablo Picasso
Neanderthals didn’t rely on lightning strikes to make fire, instead, they used chemistry, by putting manganese dioxide on wood to lower the temperature required to create a flame.
The Capital of Samoa is Apia
A sequel to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off would probably just be his son trying to find a way to skip school since his dad knows all the tricks. #idwatchthat
There’s only one country between North Korea and Norway.
Madonna did her own hair and make-up and supplied her own wardrobe in ‘Desperately Seeking Susan.’
Turkey is first at tea consumption per person while Ireland is second and the UK is third.
In 30-40 years there’ll be “took a selfie every day” videos of people going from children to elderly.
One of the most depressing things about getting older is that the probability of becoming a superhero keeps decreasing.
Stevie Wonder – Real Name: Steveland Judkins
Music is the universal language that we all understand.
Many multi-millionaires were, at one point, one step away from jail, and many inmates were, at one point, one step away from becoming multi-millionaires.
????❤️???? What Is Juneteenth? The History, Meaning, and Celebration of Freedom
Juneteenth, observed every year on June 19, marks one of the most profound turning points in American history—the day in 1865 when over 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally told they were free.
This wasn’t the day slavery ended in the U.S.—it was the day freedom finally found its voice in Texas, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
For generations, Juneteenth has been called the “Second Independence Day”—and for good reason. It is a day of truth, triumph, and transition. A moment to recognize both the cruelty of delayed justice and the strength of those who endured it. It honors Black liberation, celebrates cultural resilience, and reminds all Americans that freedom must be proclaimed, protected, and pursued.
On that day, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued General Order No. 3, which stated:
“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”
While Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, enforcement was spotty, especially in Confederate states that Union forces had not yet overtaken. Texas, geographically isolated and still under Confederate control, became a final holdout.
Granger’s announcement effectively brought emancipation to over 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in Texas.
????️ Why Did It Take So Long?
It wasn’t just a matter of travel delays.
The Emancipation Proclamation only applied to Confederate states, and only where Union forces had control.
Texas was the westernmost Confederate state, with minimal Union military presence.
Slaveholders in Texas actively withheld information and relocated enslaved people to Texas to avoid enforcement.
Granger’s arrival in Galveston was backed by 2,000 Union troops, making the announcement stick.
???? The First Juneteenth Celebrations
By June 19, 1866, African Americans in Texas began celebrating the anniversary of their freedom with:
???? Parades, picnics, and barbecues
???? Dressing in their best clothes (sometimes for the first time)
????️ Readings of the Emancipation Proclamation
⛪ Church services and community prayer
These celebrations were called “Jubilee Day” before the term “Juneteenth” (a blend of June and nineteenth) gained popularity.
???? What Juneteenth Means Today
Juneteenth has evolved from a regional celebration to a nationwide recognition of:
Black history and resilience
The delayed promise of freedom
Ongoing struggles for racial justice
It’s a day to reflect on slavery’s legacy and to honor Black culture and joy in every form—music, storytelling, food, dance, and family reunions.
???? Federal Holiday Status
For over a century, Juneteenth was celebrated mostly in Black communities and states like Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.
That changed in a big way:
Texas made Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980.
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation officially making Juneteenth National Independence Day a federal holiday—the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
???? What Does General Order No. 3 Actually Say?
Here’s a key excerpt from Granger’s proclamation:
“This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves…”
While well-intentioned, that “absolute equality” remained an ideal, not a reality. After Juneteenth came Black Codes, Jim Crow laws, lynchings, and generations of systemic racism.
Juneteenth is not just a celebration—it reminds us how far we’ve come and have to go.
???? Cultural Traditions and Symbolism
Red foods—like red velvet cake, hibiscus punch, and strawberry soda—are a Juneteenth tradition. Red symbolizes bloodshed, resilience, and strength throughout the African diaspora.
Other traditions include:
Readings of Black literature
Drumming circles and dance
Wearing Pan-African colors (red, black, and green)
????️ Juneteenth in Delaware
While Delaware remained in the Union during the Civil War, it was a border state that did not end slavery until the 13th Amendment passed in December 1865. In fact, Delaware voted to reject the 13th Amendment at first, only symbolically ratifying it a century later, in 1901.
That makes Juneteenth especially relevant in Delaware, where the truth about emancipation came late and slow.
Today, cities like Wilmington, Dover, and Newark hold Juneteenth parades, community festivals, and public lectures. Organizations like the Delaware Juneteenth Association host yearly celebrations and educational events.
✨ 13 Powerful Juneteenth Trivia Facts
Juneteenth was celebrated before the 13th Amendment passed.
Enslaved people in Texas were declared free on June 19, 1865—but slavery wasn’t officially abolished nationwide until December 6, 1865.
The name “Juneteenth” is a blend of “June” and “nineteenth.”
It’s a uniquely American portmanteau that first appeared in print in the 1890s.
General Order No. 3 emphasized “absolute equality”—but reality fell short.
The order stated that freedpeople had “equal rights,” but most were forced into sharecropping, and faced Black Codes, violence, and voter suppression within months.
Delaware did not ratify the 13th Amendment until 1901.
Although slavery ended legally in 1865, Delaware rejected the amendment at the time—and only approved it symbolically 36 years later.
Juneteenth wasn’t widely taught in schools until the 21st century.
Many Americans didn’t learn about it until the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 reignited national awareness.
Texas made Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980—the first to do so.
Credit goes to State Rep. Al Edwards, a longtime advocate who pushed legislation through after years of community celebration.
Red is the color of Juneteenth.
Red foods like strawberry soda and red velvet cake are linked to African traditions of honoring sacrifice and perseverance.
The official Juneteenth flag was created in 1997.
Designed by Ben Haith, it features a bursting star over Texas to symbolize new freedom radiating outward.
Robert E. Lee surrendered in April 1865, but word traveled slowly.
Without internet or radio, communication in Confederate strongholds like Texas relied on word of mouth, newspapers, and Union troops.
The Emancipation Proclamation didn’t free slaves in Union-loyal states.
Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri were exempt—freedom there required later legal action.
Some formerly enslaved people left Texas immediately after Juneteenth.
They migrated to reunite with family or escape former masters—some walked hundreds of miles on foot.
Juneteenth is now observed in all 50 states.
Though it became a federal holiday in 2021, state-level recognition took decades of activism.
Juneteenth celebrations were once banned.
During Jim Crow, many cities restricted large Black gatherings. Churches and private landowners stepped in to preserve the tradition.
???? Glossary of Terms
Emancipation Proclamation: Executive order by Abraham Lincoln freeing slaves in Confederate territories.
General Order No. 3: The announcement that brought emancipation to enslaved people in Texas.
Jubilee Day: An Early name for Juneteenth.
Pan-African Colors: Red, black, and green symbolize African unity and pride.
Flag Day: History, Meaning, and Delaware’s Proud Connection
Flag Day, observed every June 14, honors the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. This symbol of unity, freedom, and national identity was first authorized by the Second Continental Congress in 1777 and has been waved through wars, celebrations, protests, and presidential inaugurations ever since.
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed a resolution that read:
“Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
That resolution marked the official birth of the American flag, though the exact design—how the stars were arranged, for example—varied until standardization decades later. The original flag symbolized the 13 colonies that declared independence from Britain just one year earlier.
????️ Who Created the First American Flag?
The legend of Betsy Ross sewing the first American flag is widely taught but lightly documented. While she may have produced an early version, Francis Hopkinson, a delegate from New Jersey and signer of the Declaration of Independence, submitted a bill to Congress in 1780 for “designing the flag of the United States.” So the story of our flag, much like our early history, has more than one stitch.
???? Delaware’s Historic Role: The First Battle Flag?
Delaware doesn’t just boast being The First State—it may also be home to the first American battlefield where the Stars and Stripes flew in combat.
On September 3, 1777, during the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge near Newark, Delaware militia faced off against advancing British and Hessian troops. This brief but fierce skirmish was the only Revolutionary War battle fought on Delaware soil and is widely believed to have been the first time the new American flag was carried into battle.
This encounter happened just three months after Congress authorized the flag. While hard proof is limited, historians at the U.S. Army Center of Military History and the Delaware Public Archives consider Cooch’s Bridge a strong contender for the first true “Stars and Stripes” battle.
???? Why Do We Celebrate Flag Day?
Though the flag was adopted in 1777, it wasn’t until 1885 that the idea of a formal “Flag Day” was proposed. That credit goes to Bernard J. Cigrand, a 19-year-old schoolteacher in Wisconsin, who held the first recognized flag birthday in his classroom and spent decades promoting the idea nationwide.
President Woodrow Wilson issued the first Flag Day proclamation in 1916, and in 1949, Congress made it a national observance, though it is not a federal holiday.
???? Flag Etiquette: What to Know
Whether you fly your flag on a front porch, in a parade, or over government buildings, there’s a right way to do it:
The flag should never touch the ground.
It should be illuminated if flown at night.
When worn out, it should be retired respectfully, often by burning ceremonially. Many American Legion and VFW posts provide this service.
????️ Delaware’s Deep Flag Connection
Beyond Cooch’s Bridge, Delaware continues to play a quiet but dignified role in American symbolism:
The state seal—featured on the Delaware state flag—includes the U.S. flag within its design, acknowledging its loyalty and founding role.
George Read, a Delaware delegate, signed the Declaration of Independence and helped write the Constitution—two documents that shaped the meaning behind the flag.
???? Fast Flag Facts
There have been 27 official versions of the U.S. flag as states joined the Union.
The current 50-star design was created by a 17-year-old student, Robert G. Heft, in 1958, originally as a high school project.
Only one U.S. president, Donald J. Trump, was born on Flag Day (June 14, 1946).
???? 13 Facts About the American Flag (You May Not Have Known)
There’s a proper way to fold it ????????
The U.S. flag is traditionally folded into a triangle with 13 folds, each with a symbolic meaning related to liberty, faith, and sacrifice.
There’s no official name for it ????
While we say “Stars and Stripes” or “Old Glory,” the U.S. government does not assign the flag an official nickname.
The flag has flown on the Moon ????
Six American flags were placed on the Moon during the Apollo missions. Most are still standing, though heavily bleached by solar radiation.
There’s a flag code, but it’s not enforceable ????
The U.S. Flag Code (Title 4 of the U.S. Code) outlines how to display and handle the flag, but violations are not legally punishable unless you’re desecrating currency.
Burning the flag is protected speech ????????️
The Supreme Court ruled in Texas v. Johnson (1989) that flag burning is a form of free speech under the First Amendment.
There’s a giant flag flown only in storms ????️
At Fort McHenry in Baltimore (where The Star-Spangled Banner was written), a smaller storm flag replaces the larger garrison flag during bad weather.
Old Glory was a real flag ????
Sea captain William Driver coined the nickname “Old Glory,” and starting in 1831, he flew a massive 10×17-foot flag on his ship.
You can request a flag flown over the Capitol ????️
Americans can order a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol in Washington, D.C. for special occasions. It comes with a certificate showing the date and purpose.
There’s a correct “order of precedence” ????
When flown with other flags (state, local, organization), the U.S. flag must always appear to its right (observer’s left) and be raised first.
No part of the flag should be used as apparel ????????
The Flag Code discourages using the flag on clothing, bedding, or drapery. That patriotic swimsuit? Technically unapproved.
The flag never goes “out of date” ????️
The U.S. flag remains official until a new state is admitted. A new star will be added on July 4th after admission, regardless of the joining date.
It must be hoisted briskly and lowered slowly ????????️
Military protocol calls for the flag to rise quickly (symbolizing readiness) and descend slowly (symbolizing respect and reflection).
The biggest U.S. flag ever? ????️
The Superflag, flown over Hoover Dam in 1996, measured 255 by 505 feet and weighed 3,000 pounds.
Officially, in North America, the summer season does not begin until June 20th or 21st which is the date of the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. However, if you are a resident of the United States, then we all know by popular vote the “unofficial” start of summer actually begins at the end of the working day on the last Friday in the month of May, known as Memorial Day and is celebrated for the whole weekend.
The Memorial Day holiday is dedicated to honoring and remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The Memorial Day holiday weekend is celebrated publicly in many ways including parades, trips to the beaches, sweating it out with a trip to the hot inner city, or visiting a local farm or rural area most likely with a lake or pond. People use this time to bbq with family and friends, sunbathe, swim/float around swimming pools, the ocean, or the lake/pond. While we always seem to recall the sights and smells of the season, you certainly can not forget the sounds as well!
Music and popular songs come and go, but one sound has been consistent since 1929 – the music and sound of the ice cream truck. The first was a local ice cream vendor who put a speaker on top of his truck and played a Polish folk song called The Farm Pump. Today, we have music boxes designed for the trucks that can play a selection of songs, mostly in the public domain, or even original music.
They are usually set to loop at around 40 seconds – designed to be recognizable (earworm), loud (getting attention), and exciting (it’s ice cream!) all at once. The music may drive you crazy but think of the poor driver/ ice cream salesman hearing that annoying 40-second loop for 12 hours a day.
In 1960, Mister Softee, the largest mobile cream franchisor with over 600 trucks, introduced the Mister Softee Theme (Jingle and Chimes), based on The Whistler and His Dog by Lester Morton “Les” Waas. Most other trucks use ‘public domain’ music, which has the advantage of not having to pay a royalty fee. The downside is, some of that music has, for lack of a better description, a racist past.
Top Ten Ice Cream Truck Themes
10. Turkey in the Straw – Originally based on an Irish folk song called The Old Rose Tree, it was adapted into minstrel music shows in the 1820s, even though the 1910’s. Minstrel music shows were generally disparaging to African Americans, to say the least. Barney the Dinosaur, from the children’s television show sang a very sanitized version of the song.
9. Camptown Races (1850) and Oh! Suzanna (1848) were written by America’s first professional songwriter, Stephen Foster. Several of his songs were used in Mistral shows, including these, and were written before the Civil War. Many of his songs had no racial context.
8. Dixie (1861) Dixie was about Antebellum (the wealthy southern lifestyle) prior to the civil war, much of it due to the work of slave labor.
7. Jimmy Crack Corn (1840s) was a song about a slave’s lament after his master’s death. Then again, a closer look at the lyrics indicated he may have been happy about the death. Barney also sanitized this song for children.
6. La Cucaracha (1800s Mexican folk song) not racist at all, and probably the most popular song about a cockroach who cannot walk, to entice children to eat ice cream.
5. Pop Goes The Weasel (1852) began as a social dance in England. The ambiguous phrase has been used in many pop culture mediums – books, film and television. In the 1930s, it became the tune for Jack-in-the-Box windup toys. Barney covered it too.
4. I’m a Little Teapot (1939) “I’m a little teapot, Short and stout, Here is my handle Here is my spout When I get all steamed up, Hear me shout, Tip me over and pour me out!” Probably the last Nursery Rhyme to be a radio hit.
3. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star – the lyrics were written by Jane Taylor in 1806 (England), and the melody came from Ah! vous dirai-je, maman, (1761, France).
2. It’s a Small World, written by brothers Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman in 1962, and inspired by the Cuban Missile Crisis. It is probably the only popular ice cream truck music that needs a royalty payment. Why? Because it may be the second most well-known song in the Western World, behind Happy Birthday. As mentioned above, it’s annoying, attention-getting, and children run to it, especially when they hear the tune coming from a monotone ice cream truck.
1. The Entertainer (1902) written by Scott Joplin, is one of the most famous instrumentals of the recorded sound era. It was the biggest ragtime hit, and brings the perfect ‘nostalgia’ feeling for both children and adults when it comes to ice cream.
A Brief History of Ice Cream:
Ice cream really started as water ice almost 2000 years ago with the ROMANS bringing ICE down from the ALPS.
Ice cream as we know it was made in homes Italy and France by the 1700s.
By the LATE 1700s, we had ice cream in AMERICA.
In the 1830s, immigrants brought the old country recipes via horse-drawn carriages with glass bowls, that were rinsed out and reused by the venders to the buying public, who licked the ice cream out of the bowls. (Sanitation wasn’t something they paid a lot of attention to back then.)
By 1900 or so, the ICE CREAM SANDWICH helped with that, prepackaged, and nobody else’s tongue in your bowl.
The Ice Cream was introduced at THE 1904 ST LOUIS WORLD’S FAIR, which also introduced us to the Hot Dog Roll.
In 1920, a guy named Harry Burnt invented the twin-handled Good Humor Bar. He started with a dozen Good Humor trucks later that year. Good Humor had thousands of trucks going by the 1950s when Mister Softee started in Philadelphia. By 1960, the Mister Softee Theme (Jingle and Chimes) was playing from trucks on a drum-and-spindle machine – it sounds mechanical because it originally was.
Jack and Jill, another Philadelphia company, started in 1929. They are still in the ice cream delivery business, but primarily to businesses for retail. Both Good Humor and Jack and Jill no longer use trucks, but you can find them in most supermarkets. There are a lot of independent Gourmet Ice Cream Trucks around… so keep an ear open for street delivery of your favorite ice cream!
December 22, **** Birthday (fictional) Queen Elsa of Arendelle, Frozen, Disney
1956 – Colo, born at the Columbus, Ohio Zoo, was the first gorilla born in Peru.
December 22, 2012 (fiction) After a lot of planning, the alien colonization began on Earth on The X-Files, TV.
1990 – Lech Walesa was elected President of Poland.
2010 – The repeal of the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, the policy banning homosexuals serving openly in the United States military, was signed into law by President Barack Obama.
If you were born on December 22nd, You were likely conceived the week of… March 30th (same year)
Lech Walesa
Lech Wałęsa is a Polish trade-union activist and politician, who was the President of Poland from 1990 to 1995. He became famous for his role in organizing protests against Communist rule in Poland during the 1980s. In 1983, he co-founded Solidarity, which helped bring about the end of Communism in Poland and across Europe. In 1990, Wałęsa was elected President of Poland in a free and fair election. He served as President until 1995 when he retired from politics. Since then, Wałęsa has remained active in Polish politics and public life. In 2007, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in helping to end Communist rule in Poland.
Today, Wałęsa is considered a national hero in Poland and is widely respected around the world for his work promoting democracy and human rights. He continues to be an outspoken advocate for freedom, democracy, and human rights and remains an important figure in Polish politics and public life.
December 22nd is…
Abilities Day Be a Lover of Silence Day National Cookie Exchange Day
December 22nd Birthday Quotes
“It’s OK to feel crappy sometimes and it’s OK to feel like you don’t look like the next person. But what you have to know is that you are beautiful and you are strong and you are worth it. It’s important to know that.” – Jordin Sparks
“There are no secrets that time does not reveal.” – Jean-Baptiste Racine
“Follow what you are genuinely passionate about and let that guide you to your destination.” – Diane Sawyer
“My heroes are just everyday people who work hard, are honest, and have integrity.” – Jordin Sparks
“Don’t think your dreams don’t come true, because they do. You’d better be careful what you wish for.” – Barbara Billingsley
“I don’t feel particularly comfortable about actors using whatever power they may have to push their beliefs unless they’re extremely well informed.” -Ralph Fiennes
December 22nd Birthdays
1639 – Jean-Baptiste Racine, French playwright (died in 1699) 1858 – Giacomo Puccini, Italian composer (died in 1924) 1862 – Connie Mack, American baseball player, and icon (died in 1956) 1915 – Barbara Billingsley, American actress (died in 2010) 1944 – Steve Carlton, American baseball player 1945 – Diane Sawyer, American journalist 1946 – Pamela Courson, American girlfriend of Jim Morrison (died in 1974) #27club 1948 – Steve Garvey, American baseball player 1960 – Luther Campbell, American rapper 1962 – Ralph Fiennes, English actor 1968 – Dina Meyer, American actress 1970 – Ted Cruz, American politician 1972 – Vanessa Paradis, French actress 1989 – Jordin Sparks, American singer 1993 – Meghan Trainor, American singer-songwriter
December 22nd History
December 22, **** Birthday (fictional) Queen Elsa of Arendelle, Frozen, Disney
856 (Earthquake) Damghan, Iran
1666 – The French Academy of Sciences was founded.
1808 – Ludwig van Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony (Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67) premiered. It is one of the most well-known pieces of music of all time.
1882 – The first string of electric lights decorating a Christmas tree was created for his house by Edward H. Johnson.
1891 – Asteroid 323 Brucia became the first asteroid discovered using photography.
1900 – Emil Jellinek, an Austrian racer, bought the first ‘Mercedes’ automobile.
1937 – The Lincoln Tunnel in New York opened to traffic. A second tube of the Lincoln Tunnel to the north of the first was opened on February 1, 1945, and a third tube was added south of the first on May 25, 1957.
1947 – The transistor was first demonstrated at Bell Laboratories.
1956 – Colo was born at the Columbus Zoo in Ohio. She was the first gorilla born in captivity.
1958 – #1 Hit December 22, 1958 – January 18, 1959: The Chipmunks with David Seville – The Chipmunk Song
1962 – #1 Hit December 22, 1962 – January 11, 1963: The Tornados – Telstar
1963 – The National Christmas Tree was not lit until December 22nd because of a national 30-day period of mourning following the assassination of President Kennedy.
1978 – Full-time businessman and part-time clown John Wayne Gacy confessed to kidnapping, torturing, and killing several dozen young men.
1979 – #1 Hit December 22, 1979 – January 4, 1980: Rupert Holmes – Escape (The Pina Colada Song)
1984 – #1 Hit December 22, 1984 – February 1, 1985: Madonna – Like a Virgin
1984 – Bernhard ‘Bernie” Goetz shot several would-be muggers in a Manhattan, New York subway.
1989 – Tango & Cash, Born on the Fourth of July, and Roger & Me were released in theaters.
1990 – Kindergarten Cop, Bonfire of the Vanities, and Awakenings were released in theaters.
1995 – Cutthroat Island, Grumpier Old Men, and Waiting to Exhale were released in theaters.
1999 – Man on the Moon was released in theaters.
2000 – O Brother Where Art Thou?, Miss Congeniality, and The Family Man debuted in theaters.
2002 – #1 Hit December 22, 2001 – February 22, 2002: Nickelback – How You Remind Me
2004 – Meet the Fockers and Phantom of the Opera were released in theaters.
2006 – Night At The Museum, Hotel Rwanda and The Good Shepard debuted in theaters.
2010 – Little Fockers and True Grit were released in theaters.
2012 – #1 Hit December 22, 2012 – February 1, 2013: Bruno Mars – Locked Out of Heaven
December 22, 2012 (fiction) After long planning, the alien colonization began on Earth on The X-Files, TV
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
It’s socially unacceptable for men to invite kids to sit on their lap unless they’re dressed as Santa Claus.
The biggest film of 1924: Der müde Tod (Thriller) earned ~ $12,000
The human brain is a wonderful thing. It starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public.
Vladimir Lenin – Real Name: Vladimir Ilich Ulyanov
In the U.S., the official definition of a white Christmas is that there has to be a snow depth of at least 1″ (2.5 cm) at 7:00 a.m. local time on Christmas morning. In Canada the official definition is that there has to be more than .8″ (2 cm) on the ground on Christmas Day.
Every time someone in a movie has to draw blood they always cut the palm of their hand. Surely this is the least convenient place to have a deep cut.
Today’s Ponder: The most blessed people are those who sneeze the most.
The unit of Watts was named after James Watt who came up with the unit of horsepower, both of which are units of power. #what?
Bruce Willis – Real Name: Walter Willis
In 1981 George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers went on their 50/50 tour where they played in all 50 states in just 50 days.
Obi-wan Kenobi’s home planet, Stewjon, is named after former The Daily Show host Jon Stewart.
I wonder how many of the people who’ve uttered the phrase “I could get hit by a bus tomorrow” actually got hit by a bus the next day.
“And I find it kinda funny, I find it kind of sad. The dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had.” #songlyrics
The biggest film of 2017: Beauty and the Beast (Musical) earned ~ $504,000,000
Billboard Greatest Christmas Hits 1935-1954 (1989) White Christmas (Bing Crosby) ~ Let Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (Vaughn Monroe) ~ Rudolph The Rd-Nosed Reindeer (Gene Autry) ~ The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) (Nat ‘King’ Cole) ~ All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth) (Spike Jones ~ I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (Jimmy Boyd) ~ Christmas Island (Andrews Sisters with Guy Lombardo) ~ Silent Night (Bing Crosby) ~ Here Comes Santa Clause (Down Santa Claus Lane) (Gene Autry) ~ Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt)
Billboard Greatest Christmas Hits 1955 – Present (1990) Jingle Bell Rock (Bobby Helms) ~ Rockin Around The Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee) ~ The Chipmonk Song (The Chipmunks with David Seville) ~ The Little Drummer Boy (Harry Simeone Chorale) ~ Mary’s Boy Child (Harry Belafonte) ~ Blue Christmas (Elvis Presley) ~ BNuttin For Christmas (Barry Gordon) ~ Please Come Home For Christmas (Charles Brown) ~ White Christmas (The Drifters) ~ Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer (Elmo and Patsy)
Now That’s What I Call Christmas (2001) The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) (Nat King Cole) ~ White Christmas (Bing Crosby) ~ Blue Christmas (Elvis Presley) ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Frank Sinatra) ~ Winter Wonderland (Tony Bennett) ~ Sleigh Ride (Ella Fitzgerald) ~ Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (Dean Martin) ~ (There’s No Place Like) Home For The Holidays (Perry Como) ~ The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year (Johnny Mathis) ~ A Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives) ~ Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer (Gene Autry) ~ Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer (Elmo & Patsy) ~ Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee) ~ Jingle Bell Rock (Bobby Helms) ~ Little Saint Nick (The Beach Boys) ~ Merry Christmas Darling (The Carpenters) ~ Christmas Collage (Kathy Mattea) ~ Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth (Bing Crosby & David Bowie) ~ Happy Xmas (War Is Over) (John Lennon & Yoko Ono) ~ Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town (Bruce Springsteen) ~ Do They Know It’s Christmas? (Band-Aid) ~ Wonderful Christmastime (Paul McCartney) ~ Our Love Is Like A Holiday (Michael Bolton) ~ (It Must Have Been Ol’) Santa Claus (Harry Connick Jr.) ~ Jingle Bells (Diana Krall) ~ Away In The Manger (Mannheim Steamroller) ~ Deck The Halls (Ottmar Leibert) ~ Love On Layaway ( Gloria Estefan) ~ Don’t Save It All For Christmas Day (Celine Dion) ~ This Christmas (Joe) ~ Special Gift (Isley Brothers) ~ All We Need Is Love (Christmas In The Yard) (The Big Yard Family w/ Shaggy) ~ My Only Wish (The Year) (Britney Spears) ~ You Don’t Have To Be Alone (On Christmas) (‘NSYNC) ~ O Come All Ye Faithful (Luther Vandross) ~ Silent Night (Boyz II Men)
Superstar Christmas (1997) Happy Xmas (War Is Over) (John Lennon & Yoko Ono) ~ O Holy Night (Mariah Carey) ~ Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow (Frank Sinatra) ~ Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Michael Bolton) ~ The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) (Celine Dion) ~ Merry Christmas Baby (Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band) ~ Early Christmas Morning (Cyndi Lauper) ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Luther Vandross) ~ Silent Night (Boyz II Men) ~ Winter Wonderland (Tony Bennett) ~ You Make It Feel Like Christmas (Neil Diamond) ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas (Amy Grant) ~ White Christmas (Placido Domingo) ~ What If Jesus Comes Back Like That (Collin Raye) ~ Christmas Through Your Eyes (Gloria Estefan) ~ The Lord’s Prayer (Barbra Streisand)
Ultimate Christmas (1998) Silent Night (Boyz II Men) ~ The Christmas Song (Nat King Cole) ~ Winter Wonderland (Aretha Franklin) ~ White Christmas (Bing Crosby) ~ Blue Christmas (Elvis Presley) ~ Sleigh Ride (Johnny Mathis) ~ Frosty The Snowman (Ella Fitzgerald) ~ Cantique De Noel (O Holy Night) (Luciano Pavarotti) ~ O Come All Ye Faithful (Luther Vandross) ~ Joy To The World (Whitney Houston/Georgia Mass Choir) ~ It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas (Dionne Warwick) ~ Silver Bells (Kenny G) ~ Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt) ~ The Night Before Christmas (Carly Simon) ~ Jingle Bells (Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass) ~ Song For A Winter’s Night (Sarah McLachlan) ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland)
Ultimate Christmas Album (WCBS FM 101.1) Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee) ~ Jingle Bell Rock (Bobby Helms) ~ What Christmas Means To Me (Stevie Wonder) ~ You’re My Christmas Present (Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners) ~ White Christmas (The Drifters) ~ Merry Merry Christmas Baby (Margo Sylvia & The Tune Weavers) ~ I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (Jimmy Boyd) ~ Baby’s First Christmas (Connie Francis) ~ Silver Bells (Diana Ross & The Supremes) ~ It’s Christmas Once Again (Frankie Lymon) ~ Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (Gene Autry) ~ Run Rudolph Run (Chuck Berry) ~ Please Come Home For Christmas (Dion) ~ The Chipmunk Song (Alvin & The Chipmunks) ~ This Time Of Year (Brook Benton) ~ Christmas Ain’t Christmas (Without The One You Love) (The O’Jays) ~ The Little Drummer Boy (Harry Simeone Chorale) ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas (Fats Domino) ~ Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (4 Seasons) ~ This Christmas (Donny Hathaway) ~ Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (The Cadillacs) ~ Christmas Serenade (Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge) ~ Silent Night (The Temptations) ~ Christmas Auld Lang Syne (Bobby Darin) ~ Another Lonely New Year’s Eve (Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners
Ultimate Christmas Album II (WCBS FM 101.1) Little Saint Nick (The Beach Boys) ~ White Christmas (Diana Ross & The Supremes) ~ Here Comes Santa Claus (Gene Autry) ~ Sleigh Ride (Johnny Mathis) ~ Grandma Got Runover By A Reindeer (Elmo & Patsy) ~ A Christmas Long Ago (Jingle Jingle) (The Echelons) ~ Merry Christmas Darling (The Carpenters) ~ Donde Esta Santa Claus (Augie Rios) ~ Merry Christmas Baby (Dion) ~ Give Love On Christmas Day ( The Jackson 5) ~ Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives) ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Jonny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge) ~ Frosty The Snowman (The Beach Boys) ~ Nuttin’ For Christmas (Barry Gordon) ~ The Christmas Song (The Duprees) ~ Pretty Paper (Roy Orbison) ~ It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas (Bing Crosby) ~ Merry Christmas All (Denise Montana & The Salsoul Orchestra) ~ Dominick The Donkey (Lou Monte) ~ Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (The Melodeers) ~ Someday At Christmas (Stevie Wonder) ~ The Most Wonderful Time Of Year (Andy Williams) ~ Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (Dean Martin) ~ Happy New Year Baby (Jo Ann Campbell) ~ After New Year’s Eve (The Heartbeats)
A Christmas Gift For You (Phil Spector’s Christmas Album) (1963) White Christmas (Darlene Love) ~ Frosty The Snowman (The Ronettes) ~ The Bells of St. Mary’s (Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans) ~ Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (The Crystals) ~ Sleigh Ride (The Ronettes) ~ Marshmallow World (Darlene Love) ~ I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (The Ronettes) ~ Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer (The Crystals) ~ Winter Wonderland (Darlene Love) ~ Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers (The Crystals) ~ Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) (Darlene Love) ~ Here Comes Santa Claus (Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans) ~ Silent Night (Phil Spector & Artists)
A Very Special Christmas(1987) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Pointer Sisters) ~ Winter Wonderland (Eurythmics) ~ Do You Hear What I Hear (Whitney Houston) ~ Merry Christmas Baby (Bruce Springsteen) ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (The Pretenders) ~ I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (John Couger Mellencamp) ~ Gabriel’s Message (Sting) ~ Christmas In Hollis (Run D.M.C.) ~ Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) (U2) ~ Santa Baby (Madonna) ~ The Little Drummer Boy (Bob Seger) ~ Run Rudolph Run (Bryan Adams) ~ Back Door Santa (Bon Jovi) ~ The Coventry Carol (Alison Moyet) ~ Silent Night (Stevie Nicks)
A Very Special Christmas 2 (1992) Christmas All Over Again (Tom Petty) ~ Jingle Bell Rock (Randy Travis) ~ The Christmas Song (Luther Vandross) ~ Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Frank Sinatra/Cyndi Lauper) ~ The Birth Of Christ (Boyz II Men) ~ Please Come Home For Christmas (Jon Bon Jovi) ~ What Christmas Means To Me ( Paul Young) ~ O Christmas Tree (Aretha Franklin) ~ Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree (Ronnie Spector/Darlene Love) ~ White Christmas (Michael Bolton) ~ Christmas Is (Run D.M.C.) ~ Christmas Time Again (Extreme) ~ Merry Christmas Baby (Bonnie Rait & Charles Brown) ~ O Holy Night (Tevin Campbell) ~ Sleigh Ride (Debbie Gibson) ~ What Child Is This? (Vanessa Williams) ~ Blue Christmas (Ann & Nancy Wilson) ~ SIlent Night (Wilson Phillips) ~ I Believe In You (Sinead O’Connor)
A Very Special Christmas 3 (1997) I Saw Three Ships (Sting) ~ Christmastime (The Smashing Pumpkins) ~ Children Go Where I Send Thee (Natalie Merchant) ~ Santa Baby (Rev Run & The Christmas All-Stars) ~ Oi To The World (No Doubt) ~ Blue Christmas (Sheryl Crow) ~ Christmas (Blues Traveler) ~ Oiche Chiun (Silent Night) (Enya) ~ The Christmas Song (Hootie & The Blowfish) ~ Ave Maria (Chris Cornell w/Eleven) ~ Christmas In The City (Mary J. Blige feat. Angie Martinez) ~ Santa Claus Back In Town (Jonny Lang) ~ Christmas Song (Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds) ~ Christmas Is Now Drawing Near At Hand (Steve Winwood) ~ O Holy Night (Tracy Chapman) ~ We Three Kings (Patti Smith)
Nipper’s Greatest Christmas Hits (1989) (There’s No Place Like) Home For The Holidays (Perry Como) ~ It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas (Kate Smith) ~ Sleigh Ride (Arthur Fiedler) ~ Pretty Paper (Willie Nelson) ~ Silver Bells (Al Hirt) ~ Sanat Claus Is Comin’ To Town (The Ames Brothers) ~ Jingle Bells (Julie Andrews) ~ Mary’s Boy Child (Harry Belafonte) ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Henry Mancini) ~ Winter Wonderland (The Judds) ~ Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano) ~ Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt) ~ Here Comes Santa Clause (Elvis Presley) ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas (Ronnie Milsap) ~ Happy Christmas, Little friend (Dinah Shore) ~ Christmas Is Here Again (Roger Whittaker) ~ Christmas In Dixie (Alabama) ~ Christmas Day (Jack Jones) ~ We Wish You a Merry Christmas (Eugene Ormandy) ~ White Christmas (Arthur Fielder)
The Edge of Christmas (1995) Thank God Its Christmas (Queen) ~ Please Come Home For Christmas (Pat Benatar) ~ 2000 Miles (The Pretenders) ~ December Will Be Magic Again (Kate Bush) ~ Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy (David Bowie and Bing Crosby) ~ Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (The Smithereens) ~ Run Rudolph Run (Dave Edmunds) ~ Christmas Is Coming (The Payoloas) ~ Fairytale of New York (The Pogues featuring Kirsty McCall) ~ Merry Christmas (I Don’t Wanna Fight) (The Ramones)
Billboard Presents: Family Christmas Classics (1995) Christmas Time Is Here (Vince Guaraldi) ~ Welcome Christmas (Narration: Boris Karloff, Singing: Thurl Ravenscroft) ~ We Need A Little Christmas (Angela Lansbury) ~ The Chipmonk Song (The Chipmunks) ~ Riu Chiu (The Monkees) ~ A Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives) ~ Comin Up Christmas Time (cast of Casper’s First Christmas) ~ White Christmas (Bing Crosby) ~ Frosty The Snowman (Jimmy Durante) ~ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland)
Christmas All-Time Greatest, Volume 01 (2011) White Christmas (Bing Crosby) ~ I’ll Be Home for Christmas (Glen Campbell) ~ The Christmas Song (Nat “King” Cole) ~ Winter Wonderland (Lena Horne) ~ Little Saint Nick (Beach Boys) ~ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Lou Rawls) ~ Silent Night (Ella Fitzgerald) ~ The Star Carol (Tennessee Ernie Ford) ~ Do You Hear What I Hear? (Bing Crosby) ~ Silver Bells (Merle Haggard) ~ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Dean Martin) ~ Jingle Bells (Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters)
The Ultimate Relaxation Christmas Album (2002) Christmas Bells (Mantovani & His Orchestra) ~ O Holy Night (Mantovani & His Orchestra) ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Ronnie Aldrich and his 2 pianos) ~ White Christmas (Mantovani & His Orchestra) ~ The Christmas Waltz (Ronnie Aldrich and his 2 pianos) ~ Winter Wonderland (Ronnie Aldrich and his 2 pianos) ~ Mary’s Boy Child (Mantovani & His Orchestra) ~ The Christmas Song (Ronnie Aldrich and his 2 pianos) ~ Adeste Fideles (O come, all ye faithful) (Mantovani & His Orchestra) ~ The Golden Carol (Frank Chacksfield And His Orchestra) ~ Coventry Carol (Coventry Carol Choir of King’s College, Cambridge) ~ Away In A Manger (Frank Chacksfield And His Orchestra) ~ In Dulci Jubilo Old German Tune (The Bach Choir) ~ Jesu, Joy of man’s desiring (Stuttgarter Kammerorchester) ~ Es ist ein’ Ros’ entsprungen (Die Regensburger Domspatzen) ~ Ave Maria, “Ellens Gesang III” (Arthur Grumiaux) ~ O Tannenbaum (Vienna Boys Choir) ~ 2. Largo (Alan Loveday) ~ Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Mantovani & His Orchestra) ~ I Saw Three Ships (Mantovani & His Orchestra) ~ No.10 Sinfonia (Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chorus) ~ Silent Night, Holy Night (Mantovani & His Orchestra)
2000s Christmas Albums
Brooks and Dunn – It Won’t Be Christmas Without You (2002) Winter Wonderland ~ Hangin Round The Mistletoe ~ It Won’t Be Christmas Without You ~ Rockin Little Christmas ~ Blue Christmas ~ Santa’s Comin Over To Your House ~ The Christmas Song ~ Santa Claus Is Comin To Town ~ Who Says There Ain’t No Santa ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ White Christmas
The Three Tenors Christmas (2000) *Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti Cantique De Noel (O Holy Night) ~ Adeste Fideles ~ Ave Maria, Dolce Maria ~ Wiegenlied ~ Oh Tannenbaum ~ Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle ~ Amazing Grace ~ White Christmas ~ Dormi, O Bambino ~ Silent Night ~ Pregaria ~ Susani ~Happy Christmas/War Is Over ~ Wiegenlied II ~ Carol Of The Drum (Little Drummer Boy) ~ La Virgen lava Panales ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ Sleigh Ride ~ Winter Wonderland ~ Un Nuevo Siglo ~ Feliz Navidad
Charlotte Church – Dream A Dream (2000) Dream A Dream (Elysium) with Billy Gilman ~ O Come All Ye Faithful ~ The Little Drummer Boy ~ Mary’s Booy Child ~ Ding Dong! Merrily On High ~ Winter Wonderland ~ The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire) ~ Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ~ The Coventry Carol (Lully Lallay) ~ Joy To The World ~ When A Child Is Born ~ What Child Is This? ~ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ~ Medley: Draw Tua Bethlehem/Far Over Bethlehem ~ Ave Maria ~ Gabriel’s Message ~ O Holy Night ~ o! How A Rose E’er Blooming ~ Silent Night
Micheal Buble – Christmas (2011) It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas ~ Santa Claus is Coming to Town ~ Jingle Bells (featuring the Puppini Sisters) ~ White Christmas (duet with Shania Twain) ~ All I Want For Christmas is You ~ Holly Jolly Christmas ~ Santa Baby ~ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas ~ Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) ~ Silent Night ~ Blue Christmas ~ Cold December Night ~ I’ll Be Home for Christmas ~ Ave Maria ~ Mis Deseos/Feliz Navidad (duet with Thalia) ~ “This Is Michael Bublé Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas”
Rod Stewart – Merry Christmas, Baby (2012) Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~Santa Claus Is Coming To Town ~ Winter Wonderland ~ White Christmas ~ Merry Christmas, Baby ~ Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! ~ What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? ~ Blue Christmas ~ Red-Suited Super Man ~ When You Wish Upon A Star ~ We Three Kings ~ Silent Night ~ Auld Lang Syne
A Very Special Christmas – 25 Years (2012) Joy To The World (Train) ~ Something In The Air (Grayson Sanders and Jono, Featuring Lauriana Mae) ~ Angels We Have Heard On High (Jewel) ~ It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas (Michael Buble) ~ Do You Hear What I Hear? (Jordin Sparks) ~ I Want You For Christmas (Cheap Trick) ~ Mary, Did You Know? (Rascal Flatts) ~ Best Christmas Ever (Wonder Girls) ~ Tennessee Christmas (Amy Grant) ~ Christmas Without You (One Republic) ~ Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song) (Vince Gill) ~ Please Come Home For Christmas (Martina McBride) ~ Winter Wonderland (Jason Mraz) ~ December 25 (Francesca Battistelli) ~ Christmas Song (Dave Matthews Band) ~ O Holy Night (Christina Aguilera)
Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta – This Christmas (2012) Baby, It’s Cold Outside ~ Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ This Christmas ~ Silent Night ~ The Christmas Waltz ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~ Winter Wonderland ~ White Christmas ~ I Think You Might Like It ~ The Christmas Song ~ Deck The Halls ~ Medley: Auld Lang Syne/Christmas Time Is Here
Colbie Caillat – Christmas In The Sand (2012) Merry Christmas Baby ~ Santa Baby ~ Christmas In The Sand ~ Baby It’s Cold Outside ~ The Christmas Song ~ Santa Claus Is Coming To Town ~ Every Day Is Christmas ~ Silver Bells ~ Winter Wonderland ~ Mistletoe ~ Happy Christmas ~ Auld Lang Syne
1990s Christmas Albums
John Berry – O Holy Night (1995) Joy To The World ~ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ Away In a manger ~ O Come All Ye Faithful ~ Little Drummer Boy ~ The Christmas Song ~ Silent Night ~ O Come Emmanuel ~ O Holy Night
Micheal Bolton – This Is The Time – The Christmas Album (1996) Silent Night ~ Santa Claus Is Comin To Town ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~ Joy To The World ~ Ave Maria (with Placido Domingo) ~ The Christmas Song ~ O Holy Night ~ White Christmas ~ This Is The Time (with Wynonna) ~ Love Is The Power
Boyz II Men – Christmas Interpretations (1993) Silent Night (intro) ~ Let It Snow (with Brian McKnight) ~ Share Love ~ You’re Not Alone ~ A Joyous Song ~ Why Christmas ~ Cold December Nights ~ Do They Know ~ Who Would Have Thought ~ Silent Night
Garth Brooks – Beyond The Season (1992) Go tell It On The Mountain ~ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ~ The Old Man’s Back In Town ~ The Gift ~ Unto You This Night ~ White Christmas ~ The Friendly Beasts ~ Santa Looked a Lot Like daddy ~ Silent Night ~ Mary’s Dream ~ What Child Is This
Jimmy Buffett – Christmas Island (1996) Christmas Island ~ Jingle Bells ~ A Sailor’s Christmas ~ Happy Xmas (War Is Over) ~ Up On The Housetop ~ Mele Kalikimaka ~ Run Rudolph Run ~ Ho Ho Ho And A Bottle Of Rhum ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ Merry Christmas Alabama (Never Far From Home)
Mariah Carey – Merry Christmas (1994) Silent Night ~ All I want For Christmas Is You ~ O Holy Night ~ Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) ~ Miss You Most (At Christmastime) ~ Joy To The World ~Jesus Born On This day ~ Santa Claus Is Comin To Town ~ Medley: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing/Gloria (In Excelsis Deo) ~ Jesus Oh what A Wonderful Child
Harry Connick Jr – When My Heart Finds Christmas (1993) Sleigh Ride ~ When My Heart Finds Christmas ~ (It Must Have Been) Ol Santa Claus ~ The Blessed Dawn Of Christmas Day ~ Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! ~ The Little Drummer Biy ~ Ave Maria ~ Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers ~ What Child Is This? ~ Christmas Dreaming ~ I Pary On Christmas ~ Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer ~ O Holy Night ~ What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
Celine Dion – These Are Special Times (1998) O Holy Night ~ Don’t Save It All For Christmas day ~ Blue Christmas ~ Another Year Has Gone By ~ The Magic Of Christmas day (God Bless Us Everyone) ~ Ave Maria ~ Adeste Fideles (O Come All ye faithful) ~ The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) ~ The Prayer (with Andrea Bocelli) ~ Brahms’ Lullaby ~ Christmas Eve ~ These Are The Special Times ~ Happy Xmas (War Is Over) ~ I’m Your Angel (with R. Kelly) ~ Feliz Navidad ~ Les Cloches Du Hameau
Gloria Estefan – Christmas Through Your Eyes Overture: Silver Bells ~ The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~ Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It snow ~ This Christmas ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ White Christmas ~ Silent Night ~ Christmas Through Your Eyes ~ Arbolito De Navidad ~ Christmas Auld Lang Syne
Vince Gill – Let There Be Peace On Earth (1993) Do You Hear What I Hear ~ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas ~ One Bright Star ~ What Child Is This ~ Santa Claus Is Comin To Town ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ Let There Be Peace On Earth ~ White Christmas ~ Til The Season Comes Round Again ~ It Won’t Be The Same This Year
Amy Grant – Home For Christmas (1992) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas ~ It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year ~ Medley: Joy To The World/For Unto Us A Child Is Born ~ Breath Of Heaven (Mary’s Song) ~ O Come All Ye Faithful ~ Grown-Up Christmas List ~ Rockin Around The Christmas Tree ~ Winter Wonderland ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ The Night Before Christmas ~ Emmanuel, God With Us ~ Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring
The Irish Tenors – Home For Christmas (1999) *The tenors are: John McDermott, Anthony Kearns, and Ronan Tynan Joy To The World ~ Ave Maria ~ The Wexford Carol ~ Suo Gan ~ Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful) ~ Sweet Little Jesus Boy ~ Medley” Good King Wenceslas/Angels We Have Heard On High/Ding Dong Merrily On High ~ While Shepards Watch Their Flocks ~ Away In a Manger ~ It Came Upon A Midnight Clear ~ Ave Naria ~ What Child Is This? ~ O Holy Night ~ The Holy City ~ The First Noel ~ Silent Night ~ Amazing Grace
Luthor Vandross – This Is Christmas (1995) With a Christmas Heart ~ This Is Christmas ~ The MistleTOE Jam (Everybody Kiss Somebody) ~ Every Year, Every Christmas ~ My Favorite Things ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~ I Listen To The Bells (with Darlene Love) ~ Please Come Home For Christmas ~ A Kiss For Christmas ~ O Come All Ye Faithful
NSYNC – Home For Christmas (1998) Home For Christmas ~ Under My Tree ~ I Never Knew The Meaning Of Christmas ~ Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays ~ The Christmas Song (Chestnuts roasting On An Open Fire) ~ I Guess it’s Christmas Time ~ All I Want Is You This Christmas ~ The First Noel ~ In Love On Christmas ~ It’s Christmas ~ O Holy Night ~ Love’s In Our Hearts On Christmas Day ~ The Only Gift ~ Kiss Me At Midnight
Glenn Miller Orchestra – In The Christmas Mood (1991) Sleigh Ride ~ White Christmas ~ Home For The Holidays ~ Winter Wonderland ~ Medley: O Holy Night/Joy To The World/Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem/Deck The Halls ~ Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer ~ Silver Bells ~ Jingle Bells ~ Frosty the Snowman ~ The Christmas song ~ Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It snow ~ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas ~ Santa Claus Is Coming To Town ~ Medley: Oh Christmas Tree/It Came Upon A Midnight Clear/We Three Kings/What Child Is This? ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ Silent Night ~ In The Christmas Mood
Martina McBride – White Christmas (1998) Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~ Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow ~ The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) ~ O Holy Night ~ Silver Bells ~ Away In a Manger ~ White Christmas ~ What Child Is This ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ Silent Night
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas In The Aire (1995) Joy To The World ~Joseph Dear Oh Joseph Mine ~ Rudolph The REd-Nosed Reindeer ~ Herbei, oh ihr Glauigan (O Come All Ye Faithful) ~ Pat a pan ~ O Little Town of Bethlehem ~ Angels We have Heard On high ~ Gagliarda ~ Los Peces en el rio ~ Christmas Lullaby ~ Kling, Glockchen ~ Jingle Bells
Kenny G – Miracles The Holiday Album (1994) Winter Wonderland ~ White Christmas ~ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas ~ Silent Night ~ Greensleeves ~ Miracles ~ Little Drummer boy ~ The Chanukah Song ~ Silver Bells ~ Away In a Manger ~ Brahma Lullaby
Alan Jackson – Honky Tonk Christmas (1993) Honky Tonk Christmas ~ The Angels Cried (with Alison Krauss) ~ If We make It Through December ~ If You Don’t Wanna See Santa Claus Cry ~ I Only Want You For Christmas ~ Merry Christmas To Me ~ A Holly Jolly Christmas ~ There’s a New Kid In town (with Keith Whitley) ~ Santa’s Gonna Come In a Pickup Truck (with The Chipmunks) ~ Please Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas)
Barry Manilow – Because It’s Christmas (1990) The Christmas Song ~ Jingle Bells (with Expose) ~ Medley: Silent Night/I Guess there Ain’t No Santa Claus ~ Medley: The First Noel/When The Meadow Was Bloomin ~ Medley” Handel’s Messiah Excerpt/Because It’s Christmas (For The Children) ~ Baby It’s Cold Outside (with K.T. Oslin) ~ White Christmas ~ Medley: Carol Of The Bells/The Bells Of Christmas ~ Medley: Joy To The World/Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas ~ Medley: We Wish You A Merry Christmas/ It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve
1980s Christmas Albums
Alabama – Christmas (1985) Santa Claus (I Still Believe In You) ~ Joseph and Mary’s Boy ~ Happy Holidays ~ Christmas Memories ~ Tonight Is Christmas ~ Thistlehair The Christmas Bear ~ Tennessee Christmas ~ A Candle In The Window ~ Homecoming Christmas ~ Christmas In Dixie
Elmo & patsy – Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer (1984) *Grandma was originally a single in 1979 Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer ~ Rudolph The REd-Nosed Reindeer ~ Percy, The OUny Poinsettia ~ Jingle Bell Rock ~ Here’s To The Lonely ~ Senor Santa Claus ~ Joy To The World ~ Jingle Bells ~ Christmas ~ Silent Night
George Winston – December (1982) Thanksgiving ~ Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head ~ Joy ~ Prelude ~ Carol of the Bells ~ Night Medley: Snow/Midnight/Minstrels ~ Variations On The Kanon by Johan Pachelbel ~ The Holly and the Ivy ~ Some Children See Him ~ Peace
Temptations – Give Love At Christmas (1983) * Originally released in 1980 Give Love On Christmas day ~ The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire ~ Love Comes With Christmas ~ Little Drummer Boy ~ This Christmas ~ Everything For Christmas ~ Christmas Everyday ~ Silent Night
George Strait – Merry Christmas Strait To You! (1986) White Christmas ~ There’s a New Kid In Town ~ Winter Wonderland ~ Marry Christmas Strait To You ~ Away In a Manger ~ For Christ’s sake, it’s Christmas ~ Frosty The Snowman ~ When It’s Christmas Time In Texas ~ Santa Clause Is Comin To Town ~ What A Merry Christmas This Could Be
Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton (1984) I Believe In Santa Claus ~ Medley: Winter Wonderland/Sleigh Ride ~ Christmas Without You ~ The Christmas Song ~ A Christmas To Remember ~ With Bells On ~ Silent Night ~ The Greatest Gift Of All ~ White Christmas ~ Once Upon A Christmas
Anne Murray – Christmas Wishes (1981) Winter Wonderland ~ Silver Bells ~ The Little Drummer Boy ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ Christmas wishes ~ Joy To The world ~ Away In a Manger ~ O Holy Night ~ Go Tell It On The Mountain ~ Silent Night
Reba McEntire – Merry Christmas To You (1987) Away In a Manger ~ On This Day (with Vince Gill) ~ O Holy Night ~ The Christmas Guest ~ Silent Night ~ Happy Birthday Jesus (I’ll Open One Just For You) ~ Whaite Christmas ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ A Christmas Letter ~ The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire)
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (1984) Deck The Halls ~ We Three Kings ~ Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella ~ Coventry Carol ~ Good King Wenceslas ~ Wassil ~ Carol Of The Birds ~ I Saw Three Ships ~ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ~ Stille Nacht (Silent Night)
Mannheim Steamroller – A Fresh Aire Christmas (1988) Hark! The Herald Trumpets Sing ~ Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ~ Veni Veni (O Come O Come Emanuel ~ The Holly and the Ivy ~ Little Drummer Boy ~ Still Still Still ~ Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming ~ In Dulci Jubilo ~ Greensleeves ~ Carol of the Bells ~ Traditions of Christmas ~ Cantique De Noel (O Holy Night)
The Judds, Christmas Time With (1987) Winter Wonderland ~ Beautiful Star of Bethlehem ~ Who Is This Babe ~ Santa Claus Is Comin To Town ~ Silver Bells ~ What Child Is This ~ Away In a Manger ~ Oh Holy Night ~ Silent Night
1970s Christmas Albums
The Carpenters – Christmas Portrait (1978) O Come, O Come Immanuel ~ Instrumental Overture: Deck The Hall/I Saw Three Ships/Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/Away In a Manger/What Child Is This/Carol Of The Bells/O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) ~ Christmas Waltz ~ Sleigh Ride ~ Medley: It’s Christmas Time/Sleep well Little Children ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~ Santa Claus Is Comin to town ~ Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire) ~ Silent Night ~ Jingle Bells Medley: First Snowfall/Let It Snow ~ Carol Of The Bells ~ Marry Christmas Darling ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ Christ Is Born ~ Medley: Winter Wonderland/Silver Bells/White Christmas ~ Ave Maria
John Denver – Rocky Mountain Christmas (1975) Aspenglow ~ The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire) ~ Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer ~ Silver Bells ~ Please Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas) ~ Christmas For Cowboys ~ Away in a Manger ~ What Child Is This ~ Coventry carol ~ Oh Holy Night ~ Silent Night, Holy Night ~ A Baby Just Like You
John Denver and The Muppets – A Christmas Together (1979) Twelve days Of Christmas ~ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas ~ The Peace Carol ~ Christmas Is Coming (Round) ~ A Baby Just Like You ~ Deck The Halls ~ When The River Meets The Sea ~ Little saint Nick ~ Noel, Christmas Eve, 1913 ~ The Christmas Wish ~ Medley: Alfie The Christmas Tree/Carol For A Christmas Tree/It’s In Everyone Of Us ~ Silent Night, Holy Night ~ We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Jackson 5 Christmas Album (1970) Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~ Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town ~ The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) ~ Up On The Housetop ~ Frosty The Snowman ~ The Little Drummer Boy ~ Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer ~ Christmas Won’t Be The Same This Year ~ Give Love On Christmas Day ~ Someday at Christmas ~ I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
1960s Christmas Albums
Herb Alpert – Christmas Album (1968) Winter Wonderland ~ Jingle Bells ~ My Favorite Things ~ The Christmas Song ~ Las Mananitas ~ Sleigh Ride ~ The Bell That Couldn’t Jingle ~ Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow ~ Jingle Bell Rock ~ Jesu, Joy Of man’s Desiring
Christmas With Chet Atkins (1961) Jingle Bell Rock ~ Winter Wonderland ~ Jolly Old St. Nicholas ~ White Christmas ~ Blue Christmas ~ Jing Bells ~ Silver Bells ~ Little Drummer Boy ~ Medley: Coventry Carole/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ~ The First Noel ~ Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ~ O Come All Ye Faithful ~ Deck The halls ~ Silent Night
Joan Baez – Noel (1966) O Come, o Come Emmanuel ~ Medley: Coventry Carol/Good King Wenceslas ~ The Little Drummer boy ~ Medley: I Wonder as I Wander/Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella ~ Down Yon Forest ~ Carol Of the Bells ~ Angels We have Heard On High ~ Ave Maria ~ Medley: Mary’s Wandering/Deck The Halls ~ Medley: away In a Manger/Adeste Fidelis ~ Cantique De Noel ~ What Child Is This ~ Silent Night
The Beach Boy’s Christmas Album (1965) Little Saint Nick ~ The man With All The Tous ~ Santa’s Beard ~ Merry Christmas, Baby ~ Christmas day ~ Frosty The Snowman ~ We Three Kings Of Orient Are ~ Blue Christmas ~ Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town ~ White Christmas ~ Auld Lang Syne
Snowfall/ The Tony Bennett Christmas Album (1968) * I’ll Be Home For Christmas was added in 1994 Snowfall ~ My favorite Things ~ The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) ~ Santa Claus Is Comin To Town ~ Medley: We Wish You A Merry Christmas/Silent Night, Holy Night/O Come All Ye Faithful/Jingle Bells/Where Is Love ~ Christmasland ~ Medley: I Love The Winter Weather/I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm ~ White Christmas ~ Winter Wonderland ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Leonard Bernstein – The Joy Of Christmas (1963) * With The New York Philharmonic, Mormon Tabernacle Choir O Come All Ye Faithful ~ The Twelfth Night Song ~ Away In a Manger ~ Carol of the Bells ~ The Animal Carol ~ The Twelve Days of Christmas ~ O Little Town Of Bethlehem ~ Patapan ~ Joy To The World ~ Lullay My Liking ~ God Rst Ye Merry Gentlemen ~ La Virgen Lava Panales ~ Dech The Hall With Boughs Of Holly ~Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine ~ Once In Royal David’s City ~ Silent Night, Holy Night
Christmas With The Chipmunks (1962) Here Comes Santa Claus ~ Up On The Housetop ~ Silver Bells ~ Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer ~ Jingle Bells ~ Over The River and Through The Woods ~ Santa Claus Is Comin To Town ~ It’s Beginning To Look at Lot Like Christmas ~ Frosty The Snowman ~ White Christmas ~ The Chipmonk Song ~ We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Nat ‘King” Cole – The Christmas Song (1963) * Much of this album was included in 1960s The Magic Of Christmas The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas Too You) ~ Deck The Halls ~ Adeste Fideles ~ O Tannenbaum ~ O Little Town Of Bethlehem ~ I Saw Three Ships ~ O Holy Night ~ Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ~ A Cradle In Bethlehem ~ Away In A Manger ~ Joy To The World ~ The First Noel ~ Caroling, Caroling ~ Silent Night
Season’s Greetings From Perry Como (1960) Home For The Holidays ~ Winter Wonderland ~ Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer ~ The Christmas Song ~ Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town ~ White Christmas ~ Medley: O Little Town of Bethlehem/Come, Come, Come To The Manger/The First Noel/O Come All Ye Faithful/We Three Kings Of Orient Are/Silent Night
Ray Conniff Singers – We Wish You A Merry Christmas (1962) Medley: Jolly Old St. Nicholas/The Little Drummer Boy ~ Medley: O Holy Night/We Three Kings Of Orient Are/Deck The Halls With Boughs of Holly ~ Ring Christmas Bells ~ Medley” Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow/Count Your Blessings (Instead Of Sheep)/We Wish You A Merry Christmas ~ The Twelve Days Of Christmas ~ Medley: The First Noel/Hark! The Herald Angels Sing/O Come All Ye Faithful/We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Vince Guaraldi Trio – A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) O Tannenbaum ~ What Child Is This ~ My Little Drum ~ Linus and Lucy ~ Christmas Time Is Here (instrumental) ~ Christmas Time Is Here ~ Skating ~ Hark, The Herald Angels Sing ~ Christmas Is Coming ~ For Elise ~ Christmas Song
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Soundtrack (1966) * The special first came out in 1964, the album came out in 1966; often credited with Burl Ives, although he only sang three songs. ** There may be variations of this album! Overture/Holly Jolly Christmas ~ Jingle Jingle Jingle ~ We Are Santa’s Elves ~There’s Always Tomorrow ~ We’re A Couple Of Misfits ~ Silver and Gold ~ The Most Wonderful Day Of The Year ~ A Holly Jolly Christmas ~ Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (finale) ~ Medley: The Night Before Christmas Song/A Merry Merry Christmas/When Santa Claus Gets Your Letter/Rockin Around The Christmas Tree ~ I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
Andy Williams Christmas Album (1963) White Christmas ~ Medley: Happy Holiday/Holiday Season ~ The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire ~ It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year ~ A Song and a Christmas Tree (The Twelve Days of Christmas) ~ Kay Thompson’s Jingle Bells ~The First Noel ~ O Holy NIght ~ Away In a Manger ~ Sweet Little Jesus Boy ~ The Little Drummer boy ~ Silent Night, Holy Night
Barbra Streisand – A Christmas Album (1967) Jingle Bells? ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~ The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) ~ White Christmas ~ My Favorite Things ~ The Best Gift ~ Sleep In heavenly Peace (Silent Night) ~ Ave Maria (Gounod) ~ O Little Town of Bethlehem ~ I Wonder as i Wander ~ The Lord’s Prayer
Philadelphia Orchestra (Conducted by Eugene Ormandy)
-The Glorious Sound of Christmas (1962) * With the Temple University Concert Choir Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ~ O Little Town of Bethlehem ~ Joy To The World ~ O Holy Night (Cantique De Noel) ~ O Come, O Come, Emanuel ~ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ~ Ave Maria ~ O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) ~ The First Noel ~ Deck The Hall With Boughs of Holly ~ O Sanctissima (O Du Frohliche) ~ The Worship Of God ~ O Come, Little Children ~ Silent Night, Holy Night
Dean Martin Christmas Album (1966) White Christmas ~ Jingle Bells ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ Blue Christmas ~ Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! ~ Marshmellow World ~ Silver Bells ~ Winter Wonderland ~ The Things We Did Last Summer ~ Silent Night
Ramsey Lewis Trio – Sound of Christmas (1962) Merry Christmas Baby ~ Winter Wonderland ~ Santa Claus Is Coming To Town ~ Christmas Blues ~ Here Comes Santa Claus ~The Sound of Christmas ~ The Christmas Song ~ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ~ Sleigh Ride ~ What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve
Brenda Lee, Merry Christmas From (1964) Rockin Around The Christmas Tree ~ This Time Of The Year ~ Jingle Bell Rock ~ Strawberry Snow ~ Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town ~ Silver Bells ~ Winter Wonderland ~ Blue Chrismas ~ A Marshmellow World ~ Christmas Will Be Just Another Lonely Day ~ Frosty The Snowman ~ The Angel and the Little Blue Bell
1950s Christmas Albums
Perry Como Sings Merry Christmas Music (1957) * Many songs were on an EP, and a 45s collection of the same name 1946-1957 That Christmas Feeling ~ Winter Wonderland ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ Santa Claus Is Comin To Town ~ Silent Night ~ White Christmas ~ O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) ~ Jingle Bells ~ Twas The Night Before Christmas ~ The Twelve Days of Christmas ~ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ~ C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S ~ Joy To The World ~ Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer ~ Frosty The Snowman ~ The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)
Bing Crosby – Merry Christmas (1957) * Most songs appeared on earlier ELPs in 1945-1954 ** There are several variations of the content on this album! Silent Night, Holy Night ~ Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful) ~ White Christmas ~ Let’s Start The New Year Right ~I’ll Be Home For Christmas (If Only In My Dreams) ~ Danny Boy ~ Faith Of Our fathers ~ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ~ Jingle Bells ~ Santa Claus Is Comin To Town ~ It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas ~ Silver Bells ~ Christmas In Killarney ~ Mele Kalikimaka
Harry Belafonte – To Wish You a Merry Christmas (1958) * Mary’s Boy Child was added in 1962 A Star In The East ~ The Gifts They gave ~ The Son Of Mary ~ The Twelve Days Of Christmas ~ Where The Little Jesus Sleeps ~ Medley: The Joys Of Christmas/ O Little Town Of Bethlehem/Deck The Halls/The First Noel ~Mary’s Boy Child ~ Silent Night ~ Christmas Is Coming ~ Mary, mary ~ Jehovah The Lord Will Provide ~ Medley” We Wish You A Merry Christmas/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/O Come, All Ye Faithful/Joy To The World ~ I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
Tennessee Ernie Ford – The Star Carol Joy To The World ~ O Little Town Of Bethlehem ~ O Holy Night ~ The Star carol ~ Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ~ Some Children See Him ~ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ~ O Hearken Ye ~ Adeste Fideles ~ The First Noel ~ Sleep My Little Lord Jese ~ We Three Kings ~ It Came Upon A Midnight Clear ~ Silent Night
Jackie Gleason – Merry Christmas (1956) I’ll Be Home For Christmas (If Only In My Dreams) ~ Christmas In Paris ~ Jingle Bells ~ White Christmas ~ Santa Claus Is Comin To Town ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~ The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) ~ I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm ~ Snowfall ~ By The Fireside ~ Home ~ Happy Holiday ~ Winter Wonderland ~ The Story Of a Starry Night
A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra (1957) Jingle Bells ~ The Christmas song ~ Mistletoe and Holly ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas (If Only In My Dreams) ~ The Christmas Waltz ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~ The First Noel ~ Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ~ O Little Town Of Bethlehem ~Adeste Fideles ~ It Came Upon A Midnight Clear ~ Silent Night
Elvis’ Christmas Album (1957) Santa Claus Is Back In Town ~ White Christmas ~ Here Comes Santa Clause (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ Blue Christmas ~ Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) ~ Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem ~ Silent Night ~ (There’ll Be) Peace in the Valey (For Me) ~ I Believe ~ Take My hand, Precious Lord ~ It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)
Mitch Miller – Christmas Sing-along With Mitch (1958) Joy To The World ~ Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ~ What Child Is This ~ We Three Kings Of Orient Are ~ It came Upon a Midnight Clear ~ Silent Night, Holy Night ~ Deck The Halls With Boughs of Holly ~ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ~ O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) ~ The First Noel ~ The Coventry Carol ~ Away In a Manger ~ O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Johnny Mathis – Merry Christmas (1958) * with the Percy Faith Orchestra Winter Wonderland ~ The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) ~ Sleigh Ride ~ Blue Christmas ~ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ~ White Christmas ~ O Holy Night ~ What Child Is This (Greensleeves) ~ The First Noel ~ Silver Bells ~ It Came Upon The Midnight Clear ~ Silent Night, Holy Night
International Tea Day is celebrated annually on May 21st.
Set for May 21st each year, this UN-backed observance is not just a tea lover’s paradise but also an impactful event that addresses issues you might not have associated with your cuppa. Established in 2019, the day aims to give tea—the world’s second most popular drink after water—the attention it deserves.
“Bee Engaged in Pollinator-Friendly Agricultural Production”: The 2023 Theme
The theme for 2023, “Bee Engaged in Pollinator-Friendly Agricultural Production,” brews the spotlight on some buzzing little friends—bees! Beyond honey and stings, bees are vital pollinators for various crops, including tea. They help pollinate the tea flowers, an essential process for generating tea leaves. Given that tea is grown in over 60 countries, the role of bees can’t be underestimated. Pollinators contribute to both the quality and yield, making them tiny yet significant stakeholders in the tea industry.
Challenges and the Tea Industry
Tea faces some steep challenges, though, and International Tea Day serves as a wake-up call for these issues. Climate change threatens traditional tea-growing regions with irregular weather patterns and increasing pests. Declining productivity due to soil degradation and aging plants is another concern. Unfair trade practices like price exploitation and poor working conditions for laborers add to the growing list of challenges that need urgent action.
Typical Theme Categories
Sustainability and Environment: With climate change threatening traditional tea-growing regions, themes around environmental sustainability are becoming increasingly important.
Economic Fairness: Given that tea is a significant source of income for millions, equitable trading conditions and fair wages could also be a focus.
Cultural Preservation: Tea is steeped in history and culture. Celebrating these cultural nuances can also be an engaging theme.
Health Benefits: Tea is more than a soothing beverage; it’s rich in antioxidants and offers various health benefits. A theme around this topic can be both informative and enticing for tea drinkers.
Innovation and Future: The tea industry isn’t static. The sector is continuously evolving with the advent of new technologies and practices. Themes could also highlight innovations in tea cultivation or production techniques.
Given the versatility of tea and its impact on so many lives globally, the themes for International Tea Day can be quite varied, reflecting the multi-dimensional role tea plays in our world. Keep an eye out each year to see how the themes evolve and address the industry’s most pressing issues.
How to Celebrate: Beyond Sipping a Cup
To celebrate International Tea Day, you have a range of options as diverse as the teas. Sure, a delightful cup of tea with friends and family is the easiest way to celebrate, but you can do so much more. Consider diving into the rich history and cultural practices surrounding tea. Learn the difference between Darjeeling and oolong or discover how matcha is made. You can also support organizations focused on sustainable tea production or fair trade practices.
In a world where a simple drink like tea intersects with global trade, ecology, and social issues, International Tea Day serves as a moment of reflection and celebration. It’s more than an occasion for tea enthusiasts; it’s a day for anyone concerned about sustainable agriculture, fair trade, and enjoying good tea. So how will you steep yourself in the day’s activities?
25 Trivial Facts About Tea and its Origins:
Tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, after water.
Tea is believed to have originated in China, around 2737 BC.
The first written record of tea comes from a Chinese medical text from 2200 BC.
The Chinese word for tea is “cha”.
The Japanese word for tea is “chan”.
The British word for tea comes from the Chinese word “te”.
There are over 3,000 different types of tea in the world.
The most popular types of tea are black tea, green tea, white tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh tea.
Black tea is made from fully oxidized leaves.
Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves.
White tea is made from young leaves and buds.
Oolong tea is made from partially oxidized leaves.
Pu-erh tea is made from aged black tea.
Tea is a good source of antioxidants.
Tea can help to reduce stress and improve heart health.
Tea can also help to boost the immune system and fight off disease.
The caffeine in tea is less stimulating than the caffeine in coffee.
Tea can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Tea is often served with milk and sugar but can also be enjoyed plain.
Tea is a popular ingredient in many desserts and pastries.
Tea is also used in some traditional Chinese medicine.
The world’s most expensive tea is Da Hong Pao, which can cost up to $1,000 per pound.
The world’s largest tea plantation is in Assam, India.
International Coffee Day is a worldwide celebration of one of the most beloved beverages on the planet. With billions of cups consumed daily, coffee has become an integral part of many cultures around the world. This article delves into the origins of International Coffee Day, the global significance of coffee, and some fascinating facts that will leave you craving your next cup of java.
Uniting Coffee Lovers Across Borders
In the past, different countries celebrated their own National Coffee Days on varying dates. The International Coffee Organization (ICO) established International Coffee Day during a meeting held from March 3-7, 2014, to eliminate confusion and foster a global sense of camaraderie. October 1 became the designated date to celebrate coffee worldwide. Since its inception in 2015, this special day has brought together people from around the globe to honor coffee’s cultural and economic importance.
The World’s Coffee Culture
Coffee consumption is a universal phenomenon, with individuals relying on their daily cup of joe to kick-start their mornings and keep them energized throughout the day. Surprisingly, the United States does not top the charts when it comes to coffee consumption per capita. According to various surveys, Finland claims the title of the world’s top coffee-consuming country. An astonishing 88.8 gallons of coffee are consumed annually per person, showcasing the global affinity for this aromatic beverage.
The Origin of Coffee: Ethiopia and the Goat Herder
Legend has it that coffee originated in Ethiopia, where a 9th-century goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats were unusually energetic after eating the berries from a certain tree. Curious, Kaldi tried the berries himself and experienced a similar burst of energy. The story traveled fast, and soon the monks at the local monastery were using a brew made from these berries to stay awake during long hours of prayer.
The Rise of Coffee Houses: From the Middle East to Europe
The roots of modern coffee can be traced back to 15th-century Yemen, where its cultivation and trade began. European countries encountered coffee approximately a century later, with Venice taking the lead. However, coffee faced initial skepticism and opposition. Some regarded it as the “bitter invention of Satan,” and the local clergy in Venice condemned the beverage in 1615. The coffee controversy reached such heights that Pope Clement VIII personally tasted the beverage before passing judgment. To everyone’s surprise, the Pope found the drink so satisfying that he gave it his papal approval, leading to its acceptance and widespread popularity across Europe. The first recorded coffee house, known as “qahveh khaneh,” opened in Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1554. The concept spread like wildfire throughout the Middle East. By the 17th century, coffee had arrived in Europe, with the first coffee house in England opening in Oxford in 1652.
Coffee and Colonial Expansion: Plantations and Trade
Europeans saw the potential for coffee cultivation and began establishing plantations in their colonies. In 1696, the Dutch planted coffee in Java, Indonesia, while the French began cultivation in the Caribbean, the Spanish in Central America, and the Portuguese in Brazil. Brazil became a coffee powerhouse, and, to this day, remains one of the world’s largest coffee producers.
Coffee in the Modern Era: Specialty Coffee and Chains
Fast-forward to the 20th century, and coffee took on a new form with the rise of specialty coffee shops and franchises like Starbucks, founded in 1971 in Seattle. Now, we have many brewing methods, bean types, and even coffee-related technology. Did you know that coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world, right after oil? Gives a new meaning to the term “black gold,” doesn’t it?
A Day to Appreciate Coffee Farmers
Beyond the pleasure it brings to consumers, International Coffee Day serves as honoring the hard work and dedication of coffee farmers worldwide. The International Coffee Organization has made it a priority to address the challenges faced by coffee farmers, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their labor. By supporting coffee farmers, we contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and promote the livelihoods of those who cultivate and nurture the cherished coffee beans.
25 Facts About Coffee and its Origins:
Coffee is the world’s second most popular beverage, after water.
Coffee is believed to have originated in Ethiopia, around the 10th century AD.
The first written record of coffee comes from an Ethiopian monk, Khaldi, who noticed that his goats became energetic after eating coffee berries.
The Arabic word for coffee is “qahwa”.
The English word for coffee comes from the Turkish word “kahve”.
There are over 100 different species of coffee plants, but only two are commercially cultivated: Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica coffee beans are considered to be higher quality than Robusta beans.
Coffee beans are roasted to different levels to produce different flavors.
Light roast coffee beans have a more fruity flavor, while dark roast coffee beans have a more chocolatey flavor.
Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that can help to improve alertness and concentration.
Coffee can also help to improve mood and cognitive function.
Coffee is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage.
Coffee has been linked to a number of health benefits, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
However, too much coffee can also have negative side effects, such as anxiety, insomnia, and headaches.
The average American drinks about 3 cups of coffee per day.
The world’s largest coffee producer is Brazil.
The world’s largest coffee consumer is the United States.
The world’s most expensive coffee is Kopi Luwak, which is made from coffee beans that have been eaten and digested by civet cats.
Coffee is a popular ingredient in many desserts and pastries.
Coffee is also used in some traditional medicines.
The world’s first coffeehouse opened in Constantinople, Turkey, in the 15th century.
The first coffeehouse in the United States opened in Boston in 1675.
The world’s largest coffeehouse chain is Starbucks.
International Coffee Day is celebrated on October 1st.
The International Coffee Organization (ICO) is an intergovernmental organization that promotes coffee cultivation and trade.
The Release of the Apple Lisa: One of the First Personal Computers with a GUI
The Apple Lisa, one of the first personal computers to feature a graphical user interface (GUI), was released by Apple Inc. on January 19, 1983, setting the stage for the evolution of user-friendly computing.
The development of the Apple Lisa began in 1978, led by a team of engineers at Apple, including Ken Rothmuller, John Couch, and Bill Atkinson, who were inspired by the pioneering work on GUIs at Xerox’s Palo Alto Research Center (PARC). The project was initially named after Steve Jobs’ daughter, Lisa, although the company later claimed that the acronym stood for “Local Integrated Software Architecture.”
The Apple Lisa was a groundbreaking product for its time, offering users a more intuitive way to interact with computers through the use of a mouse, icons, and a desktop metaphor. The Lisa’s GUI allowed users to open, close, and manipulate files by clicking on visual representations rather than typing in complex command-line codes. This innovative approach to computing would later become the standard for personal computers.
Despite its revolutionary features, the Apple Lisa faced several challenges in the market. Priced at $9,995 (equivalent to over $25,000 today), the computer was prohibitively expensive for most consumers. Additionally, the Lisa’s proprietary operating system and limited software library made it less appealing compared to the more affordable and versatile IBM-compatible PCs.
Ultimately, the Apple Lisa was discontinued in 1986, after selling only about 100,000 units. However, its influence on the computer industry was far-reaching. Apple learned valuable lessons from the Lisa project, which contributed to the development and success of the Apple Macintosh, launched in 1984. The Macintosh built upon the GUI concept introduced by the Lisa, making it more accessible and affordable to a wider audience.
The Apple Lisa’s innovative approach to personal computing set the foundation for modern operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows and macOS, which continue to incorporate graphical interfaces and intuitive design principles to this day.
World Vegetarian Day, celebrated annually on October 1st, marks the beginning of Vegetarian Awareness Month. This day, founded in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS) and endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union, aims to create a better world by promoting vegetarianism. Through this celebration, individuals worldwide are encouraged to explore the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle, including improved health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.
Health Benefits and Environmental Impact
One of the key reasons to adopt a vegetarian diet is its potential to reduce the risk of major diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. By eliminating meat from our plates, we lower our exposure to foodborne pathogens and consume a diet rich in nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. Furthermore, vegetarianism offers a solution to global hunger by utilizing crops more efficiently, thereby feeding more people with limited resources.
Animal Welfare and Conservation
Choosing a vegetarian diet helps save animals from the suffering endured in factory farms and the cruelty of slaughterhouses. By opting for plant-based alternatives, individuals contribute to reducing the demand for animal products and support a compassionate lifestyle. Moreover, vegetarianism helps conserve vital resources like freshwater, topsoil, and other precious elements. It also plays a role in preserving delicate ecosystems such as rainforests and wildlife habitats, preventing further destruction and loss of biodiversity.
Inspiring Meat-Free Delights
Even non-vegetarians can participate in World Vegetarian Day by embracing a meat-free diet for the day. This occasion serves as an invitation to discover the vast array of delicious and creative vegetarian dishes. From mouth watering veggie burgers and cheese pizza to nutritious tofu and crisp carrot sticks, there is no shortage of amazing meat-free options to savor. Exploring vegetarian cuisine on this day may even inspire individuals to incorporate more meat-free meals into their regular eating habits, reaping the health benefits and reducing their environmental footprint.
World Vegetarian Day provides an opportunity for people from all walks of life to celebrate the joy and benefits of vegetarianism. The celebrations can range from private gatherings to public events organized by schools, colleges, health food stores, restaurants, and various other organizations. The official website for World Vegetarian Day, offers a wealth of resources, including recipes, information, and tools to support individuals in their journey towards a vegetarian lifestyle.
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