Questions tagged [christmas]
The christmas tag has no usage guidance.
15
questions
2
votes
0
answers
359
views
Was there anything similar to the World War 1 Christmas truce in World War 2?
I know that there was an unofficial Christmas truce during World War I, so now my question is this: was there anything similar during World War 2? It is close to the holidays as I am writing this ...
2
votes
0
answers
171
views
How was Christmas celebrated in early Byzantium?
I haven't been able to find any information regarding Christmas in Eastern Rome from before the tenth century. Literally any information regarding the celebration of Christmas in the fifth and sixth ...
2
votes
1
answer
592
views
Why did Oliver Cromwell ban Christmas in 1644? [closed]
I am aware of the religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants during and after the reign of King Henry VIII, but can't imagine why Cromwell would ban Christmas. I read this in an article ...
4
votes
0
answers
201
views
Christmas trees - real or fake? When did the U.S. Christmas tree consumer begin preferring artificial trees to real trees?
Source: National Christmas Tree Association via Statista.
Background
Our family was watching (again) A Christmas Story last night, and during the scene where the Old Man is bargaining to purchase a ...
23
votes
1
answer
2k
views
The WWI Christmas truce of 1914 resulted in no consequences, in spite of clear warnings against such beforehand - why were there no courts-martial?
British and German Soldiers photographed together during 1914 Christmas Truce. Source: The Daily Mirror, Friday January 8, 1915.
Question
What factors led to no courts-martial charges being pursued ...
21
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Did anyone face consequences (charges / court-martial) for the 1914 Christmas truce in WWI?
A copy of the Daily Mail from Dec. 31, 1914 reports on the Christmas truce. Source: The Star
As a follow-up to this question about impromptu football / soccer games between troops from opposite ...
41
votes
2
answers
9k
views
In the "Christmas truce" of 1914 were there any football (soccer) matches between British and German troops?
British and German troops meeting in no man's land during the unofficial truce. Source: Wikipedia
As the holiday season is upon us again this year, I am reminded of the 1914 Christmas truce (German: ...
-4
votes
2
answers
259
views
When was the golden era of Christmas? [closed]
I'm thinking of the time that people would most likely think of if they heard the phrase "old-timey Christmas". Some of the things I'm thinking of are sleighs pulled by horses or the time period of ...
8
votes
1
answer
375
views
Around 1640s, at what time did people eat Christmas dinner?
To my knowledge, in the past, people used to go to bed earlier; usually at sunset.
My question is, around 1640s, when candles were used to light the interiors of buildings, at what time of day did ...
3
votes
0
answers
363
views
Is Krampus real? [closed]
By which I mean, is the whole krampus thing a real tradition or is it a fake tradition that someone just made up.
I have a degree in history, my wife studied folklore extensively in college. I read ...
3
votes
0
answers
1k
views
What is the origin of recieving coal in a Christmas stocking?
Most of what I can find online suggests that children are threatened with having coal in their Christmas stocking if they are naughty. I'm sure that's correct in the modern day.
However I've also ...
4
votes
1
answer
457
views
First Advert with Santa Claus
I am trying to find the first use of Santa Claus in an advert. I have found one from 1868 on Wikimedia, but I could not find anything to say that that was the earliest occurrence. Are they any older ...
3
votes
1
answer
528
views
In the past were there gifts on the days leading up to Christmas instead of them all being on the one day?
Sometimes I'm tempted to give my kids gifts in a spread out way, instead of all at once, so they can appreciate each gift.
In the song The 12 Days of Christmas the author describes getting gifts on ...
4
votes
2
answers
258
views
What's the story behind Christmas?
Looking at this question I see the tradition of Christmas presents, but where did the tradition of Christmas itself come from? Also, what's with the Christmas tree and Santa (or Kris Kringle)?
6
votes
2
answers
9k
views
Where does the tradition of Christmas gifts comes from?
Where does the modern tradition of exchanging gifts from Christmas comes from? I've heard that it's inspired by a similar tradition the Ancient Romans had on one of their festivals, is that true?