As the New Year approaches, it’s no secret that people tend to feel more optimistic and joyful. Children’s laughter can be heard everywhere, street lights twinkle brightly, and cheerful New Year songs fill the air—creating an indescribably wonderful feeling. With that, we present to you some interesting facts and information about the New Year.
1. Norwegians pay half of their taxes in November, so everyone is financially comfortable during the New Year season.
2. According to Facebook analysts, couples break up most often just before Christmas.
.png)
3. Every year, around 1 million letters are sent to “Santa Claus at the North Pole.”
.png)
4. During the holiday season, 28 LEGO sets are sold every second worldwide.
.png)
5. In the U.S., celebrating Christmas was banned until 1836. Shortly after, it became a public holiday instead of a regular day.
.png)
6. In Catalonia, Spain, people traditionally place a painted wooden log with legs in their homes, calling it the “Defecating Log.”
.png)
7. In many European countries, children receive most of their gifts not on December 25 but on December 6. This date, though an ordinary day, is when stores restock with new goods, increasing purchasing power.
.png)
8. Every year in the U.S., over 200 pine trees are disposed of.
.png)
9. In Japan, many people eat at KFC on December 31.
10. In New Zealand, it's forbidden to air any commercials on TV during Christmas Day.
.png)
11. In England, people wear paper crowns while eating their special Christmas meals.
12. In the U.S., 30–35 million live Christmas trees are harvested and sold annually.
13. One-sixth of all U.S. retail sales occur during the Christmas season.
14. Santa Claus was inspired by Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop from Turkey known for helping the poor and children with his great generosity.
15. Santa Claus first appeared in red clothing in a Coca-Cola advertisement in the 1930s. Before that, he was depicted in white, blue, or green attire.
16. “Silent Night” is the most recorded Christmas song in history, with 733 versions protected by copyright.
17. Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” is the best-selling single of all time, with over 100 million copies sold worldwide.
18. Although Christmas was banned in the U.S. until 1836, the first state to officially celebrate it was Alabama.
19. In ancient England, Christmas carols were known as “Wassailing” songs, sung to neighbors to wish them good health and longevity.
20. “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas.
21. In Guatemala, Christmas is celebrated on December 25, but children do not receive any gifts.
22. In Japan, the traditional Christmas treat is a fluffy cream cake topped with strawberries.
23. Americans send approximately 1.5 billion greeting cards each year.
24. U.S. President Franklin Pierce was the first to place a Christmas tree in the White House.
25. The first artificial Christmas trees were made by Germans who took inspiration from goose feathers, thinking it was better than cutting down real trees.
