Interesting Christmas facts unwrapped

Oh, Christmas. That magical time when the tree sparkles, the ham glistens and the family politely avoids bringing up politics over pavlova.

But let’s be honest – it’s also the season of recycled jokes, awkward cracker hats and pretending to love that new pair of socks.

So if you’re tired of nodding through the King’s Speech (or worse, your nephew’s crypto updates), allow us to save your next Christmas gathering with some festive trivia that’s equal parts merry and bright.

The first Australian Christmas stamp was issued in 1920

Remember good old-fashioned mail? Well, in 1920, Australia issued its first official Christmas stamp.

Imagine the excitement – slapping that festive little square onto your envelope, knowing it would carry your handwritten greeting across the country. A novelty now. But once upon a time, it was the height of Christmas communication.

So, next time you receive a card with actual handwriting (bless them), give it a second look. It’s a piece of living history. And it most certainly deserves pride of place on the mantle.

Eggnog is the festive drink you didn’t know you needed

Ah yes, eggnog – known in some scandalous circles as ‘milk punch’.

If you’ve never had it, it’s exactly what it sounds like: eggs, cream, sugar and a generous splash of brandy or rum. It’s divisive, yes. But so are Christmas lights before 1 December.

It’s the drink that says, ‘I’m sophisticated enough to drink something from the 1700s, but still rebellious enough to pour it over ice and spike it twice.’

Sip it while draped over the lounge in a linen kaftan. That’s how it was meant to be enjoyed.

Charles Dickens and the invention of sentimentality

Before A Christmas Carol, Christmas was more about roast meat and survival than emotional breakthroughs. But Mr Dickens gave us Ebenezer Scrooge and three ghosts that somehow managed to make self-reflection feel festive.

This story popularised mulled wine and ghostly introspection. But, more importantly, it also rebranded the whole holiday into one about generosity, compassion and family reconciliation. (Not unlike our own values here at Acquaint: candid, smart, playful, kind.)

Thank you, Charles.

Frosty the Snowman has been an icon since the ‘50s

He’s round. He’s jolly. And he’s been melting hearts since 1959.

That’s right – Frosty debuted in a novelty Christmas song and became a full-blown icon. All it took was a magic hat and a can-do attitude.

He doesn’t say much, but his story speaks volumes: life is short, wear a scarf and if someone gives you a hat… take it. You never know where it’ll lead.

A Charlie Brown tree moment

That spindly little tree was, of course, a metaphor (as all the greats are). A reminder that love, care and a bit of effort can turn even the saddest shrub into a showstopper.

We’ve all been that tree at one point or another. A bit lopsided. A little tired. But with the right people around? Glorious.

Donner and Blitzen are thunder and lightning in hooves

Turns out Santa didn’t name his reindeer on a whim. Donner means thunder, and Blitzen means lightning in German. And no, this isn’t a stretch.

Picture it: a sleigh ripping through the sky, powered by literal storms. Suddenly, the flying reindeer seem a little less absurd, don’t they?

Pavlova is the dessert that makes sense

Now, let’s talk pudding. More specifically, let’s talk about not eating it.

While the Northern Hemisphere is lighting fires and spooning out stodge, we’re fanning ourselves and craving something that won’t cause a food coma.

Enter pavlova. Light, crisp, covered in cream and fruit. It’s the elegant cousin of your gran’s Christmas pudding and absolutely belongs on every Aussie festive table. With or without passionfruit seeds.

A Christmas tree with German roots

Back in 16^th-century Germany, people were propping up fir trees indoors and hanging candles and apples from them. No fairy lights. No colour-coordinated baubles. Just good, flammable fun.

We’ve since improved on the safety (mostly), but the tradition remains the same: tree goes up, expectations go with it, and someone inevitably knocks the star off while trying to adjust the present placement underneath it.

Rudolph goes from retail to reindeer fame

Before he was saving Christmas with his nasal glow, Rudolph was created by a department store.

Montgomery Ward needed a gimmick for its colouring book campaign, so they invented a new reindeer with a headlight.

Fast-forward a few decades, and he’s a global sensation with his own song, movie and merchandising empire.

The Christmas song we all know and love

That warm, fuzzy feeling you get when Mel Tormé and Bob Wells’s Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire plays? Pure nostalgia.

Written in the middle of a heatwave, no less, because irony is the true spirit of Christmas.

Add it to your playlist or pop the record on, pour something warm (or boozy) and suddenly everything smells like cinnamon.

The iconic Nutcracker Ballet

It’s not Christmas until someone mentions The Nutcracker. Rats, sugarplums, dramatic lighting… it’s a sensory overload in the best way.

First performed in 1892, the story of Clara and her Nutcracker prince – set to the beautiful Tchaikovsky score – has been enchanting audiences worldwide every holiday season.

Whether you’ve seen it live or just know the tune from a hundred department store commercials, the ballet brings the kind of seasonal magic you can’t replace.

Mariah Carey is the Queen of Christmas (obviously)

Every December, without fail, she re-awakens.

One high note and suddenly everyone’s decorating like they’re in a romcom montage. All I Want for Christmas Is You hits the charts, the royalties start rolling in and Mariah returns to claim her rightful throne as the sound of the season.

Want to put your Christmas knowledge to the test? Download our Christmas fun facts to host your very own festive trivia night. And if you need help facilitating? Get in touch today.

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