The holiday season is a time of joy, excitement, and fun for kids. With so many holidays being celebrated in different ways all around the world, there are dozens of interesting and entertaining facts about the holidays that kids will love to learn about. Here are some of the most fun holiday facts that kids will enjoy discovering.
1. Christmas Trees Date Back to Ancient Times
The tradition of decorating Christmas trees goes back to ancient times, with people in Germany and other parts of Europe bringing evergreen trees into their homes during the cold winter months. The first known record of a decorated Christmas tree comes from Riga, Latvia in 1510.
2. Halloween Started as a Celtic Festival
Halloween, or All Hallows’ Eve, was originally a Celtic festival called Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, and people needed to ward off evil spirits by wearing masks and dressing up as frightening creatures.
3. The First Thanksgiving Feast Lasted 3 Days
The first Thanksgiving feast in 1621 between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians lasted three days and included a variety of foods, such as venison, wild turkey, fish, vegetables, and fruits. It was also a time for games, songs, and dances.
4. The Chinese New Year Is Based on the Lunar Calendar
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, falls on a different date each year because it is based on the lunar calendar. This means that it can fall anytime between January 21 and February 20.
5. Hanukkah Is Also Called the Festival of Lights
Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday celebrated in December, is also known as the Festival of Lights. It commemorates the rededication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC after it was destroyed by the Greeks. During Hanukkah, families light a special menorah, or candleholder, adding one candle each night for eight nights.
6. Kwanzaa Was Created in the 1960s
Kwanzaa is a holiday celebrated by African-Americans from December 26 to January 1. It was created in the 1960s by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a way to celebrate African culture and heritage. Each day of Kwanzaa is focused on one of seven principles, such as unity, creativity, and faith.
7. Valentine’s Day Has Been Celebrated for Centuries
Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated on February 14, has been around for centuries. It is named after Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century AD. Today, it is a day to express love and affection to friends, family members, and romantic partners through cards, gifts, and acts of kindness.
