Christmas is a season that brings people together in joy, love, and celebration. It’s a time for sharing gifts, singing carols, and eating delicious meals with family and friends. 

But beyond the twinkling lights and decorated trees, there are fascinating facts about Christmas that many people don’t know.

Here are five surprising facts about Christmas that will leave you amazed.  

1. Christmas wasn’t always on December 25th

It might surprise you to learn that Christmas wasn’t always celebrated on December 25th. Historians believe Jesus Christ was likely born in the spring, not in winter. The date was chosen in the 4th century to align with a Roman festival called Saturnalia, a celebration of the winter solstice.

The church wanted to spread Christianity and decided to link Jesus’ birth with an already popular pagan holiday. Over time, this date became the Christmas we know today, but its roots are tied to an ancient Roman tradition!

2. The first Christmas trees were hung upside down

Decorating Christmas trees is a beloved tradition, but did you know that early Christmas trees were sometimes hung upside down from ceilings? In parts of Europe, this was done to represent the Holy Trinity.

The upside-down tree also saved space in small homes. Today, we see upside-down trees as a quirky decoration idea, but they once had a deeply symbolic meaning for families celebrating Christmas.

3. Santa Claus used to wear green

We all know Santa Claus as the old man in a red suit, but his outfit wasn’t always red. Before Coca-Cola popularised the red-and-white image in the 1930s, Santa was often depicted wearing green, brown, or even blue. The red suit we know today came from a Coca-Cola ad campaign that wanted to create a cheerful and recognisable character for their holiday advertisements. 

4. Jingle Bells was meant for Thanksgiving

One of the most iconic Christmas songs, “Jingle Bells,” wasn’t written for Christmas at all. James Lord Pierpont originally composed the song for Thanksgiving in 1857. Its catchy tune and festive feel quickly made it popular during Christmas celebrations instead. Who would have thought a Thanksgiving tune would become one of the most beloved Christmas carols?

5. Christmas used to be illegal

Believe it or not, Christmas was once banned! In the 17th century, Puritans in England and parts of America thought Christmas celebrations were too rowdy and unholy. They passed laws making it illegal to celebrate the holiday, and anyone caught feasting or decorating could be fined. Thankfully, Christmas made a comeback, becoming the joyous occasion we all love today.

ALSO READ: How December 25 became Christmas to celebrate the 'birthday' of Jesus