First Christmas Firsts Across History and Legend
A concise look at Christmas firsts from history and legend. It covers December 25 as nativity date chosen around 320 A.D., St Nicholas tale of the gold and the origin of stockings, trimming trees during the American Revolution era, the 1923 first National Community Christmas Tree on the White House lawn, and England’s early feast linked to King Arthur’s Round Table dating back to about 600 A.D.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
St. Nicholas
United States
Fort Dearborn
Ill
U.S
White House
Calvin Coolidge
Coolidge
Vermont
American Forestry Association
England
Arthur
Roasting Peacock a Yule Feast in Medieval England
The peacock served as a Yule delicacy in medieval England. An early recipe instructs removing the head and skin so the roast bird can be sewn back into its skin before serving.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
England
Douglas fir reigns as top Christmas tree despite not a true fir
The Douglas fir, though not a true fir, dominates Christmas tree choices due to graceful growth, needle retention, and prized lumber. Montana supplies many Douglas firs while balsam fir, Eastern red cedar, black spruce, and Scotch pine follow. Canada ships trees from seven provinces globally, with the United States producing about 90 percent of Canada’s output.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Europe
Asia
Himalayas
North America
Montana
United States
Canada
Ethiopia
Venezuela
Meaning of Christmas Celebrated in Local Churches
Community members will attend special services marking Christmas across Catholic and Protestant churches. Midnight masses, candlelight and communion services, and programs with sermons, readings, prayers, carols, and the Lord's Supper express the spiritual focus of the holiday.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
City of
David
Bethlehem
Christ
Also Mentioned on This Page
Robert Clogston
Ottawa
Butler’s
Wurlitzer
Tler
Santa Claus
Grandma
B. F. Goodrich & Co
Dad
Sonny
Kansas
Ford
Mary and Joseph
Santa
Reindeer
Woolworth’s
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!