ASPPA Connect will not appear on Monday, Dec. 26 as the ASPPA office will be closed. We’ll be back on Wednesday, Dec. 28. We wish you happy holidays, and offer some little-known facts concerning the holiday season.
Unofficial Christmas truces sprang up along the Western Front in 1914, the first year of World War I. In some areas, men from both sides went into no man’s land on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to mingle, exchange food and souvenirs, sing carols and play games.
Boxing Day, celebrated on Dec. 26 mainly in the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth, originates there from a 17th century British custom in which tradespeople collected “Christmas boxes” of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for good service throughout the year.
Continental Europe also has a Boxing Day tradition, dating from the Middle Ages, of money and other gifts being given to those who were needy and in service positions. It may have originated from a custom in the era around and just after the end of the Roman Empire in which metal boxes were placed outside churches to collect special offerings related to the observance of the Feast of St. Stephen, which also falls on Dec. 26.
This year, Hanukkah and Christmas coincide; 1978 was the last time that this exact overlap happened, and the next will be in 2027.
Figgy pudding dates back to 16th century England. It may have originated from savory puddings, and may also refer to a raisin or plum pudding.
The U.S. Postal Service expected to deliver 750 million packages this holiday season.
According to the 33rd annual economic analysis by The PNC Financial Services Group, this year:
Every year, nearly 35 million Christmas trees are sold in the United States; 10 million artificials are sold.
Unofficial Christmas truces sprang up along the Western Front in 1914, the first year of World War I. In some areas, men from both sides went into no man’s land on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to mingle, exchange food and souvenirs, sing carols and play games.
Boxing Day, celebrated on Dec. 26 mainly in the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth, originates there from a 17th century British custom in which tradespeople collected “Christmas boxes” of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for good service throughout the year.
Continental Europe also has a Boxing Day tradition, dating from the Middle Ages, of money and other gifts being given to those who were needy and in service positions. It may have originated from a custom in the era around and just after the end of the Roman Empire in which metal boxes were placed outside churches to collect special offerings related to the observance of the Feast of St. Stephen, which also falls on Dec. 26.
This year, Hanukkah and Christmas coincide; 1978 was the last time that this exact overlap happened, and the next will be in 2027.
Figgy pudding dates back to 16th century England. It may have originated from savory puddings, and may also refer to a raisin or plum pudding.
The U.S. Postal Service expected to deliver 750 million packages this holiday season.
According to the 33rd annual economic analysis by The PNC Financial Services Group, this year:
- the price for a partridge and a pear tree this year would be $210;
- the cost of two turtle doves would be $375;
- the cost for 11 pipers piping would be $2,708;
- the price for 12 drummers drumming would be $2,934; and
- the total cost of items bestowed by a “true love” who buys all 364 gifts mentioned in all the verses of “The 12 Days of Christmas” will be $156,507.
Every year, nearly 35 million Christmas trees are sold in the United States; 10 million artificials are sold.
- Log in to post comments