Christmas will be here in a few days and maybe most of you are already excited! Christmas is known to be the day for children, lovers and families, the season of gift giving (and the season of sales). But do you know other facts about Christmas aside that it's celebrated every December 25? 

Here are 10 Facts About Christmas That You Probably Don't Know

1. Was Jesus born on December 25?

Jesus was not born on December 25. Historians actually believe Jesus was born in spring. That date was probably chosen because it's the date for the ancient pagan Roman festival called Saturnalia. This festival is for the agricultural god Saturn which is celebrated with gift giving and partying.

Saturnalia was usually held from December 17 to December 23. Later due to changes in Roman calendar, it was changed to December 25. It was Pope Julius I who officially declared the birth of Jesus was December 25.

2. Christmas Tree

The evergreen tree (or what most people refer to as Christmas trees), was an ancient symbol of life during winter. The Romans decorated their trees every new year and planted them in boxes inside their house during winter. 

There was actually a legend which said that when Jesus was born in winter, all the trees around the world miraculously shook off its ice and produced new greens. 

3. Who is Santa Claus

St. Nicholas, the one everyone knows as Santa Claus, was a monk of Myra (modern day Turkey) who gave gifts to children. He was born in the 3rd century and was greatly admired due to his kindness.

He was also born really wealthy but thankfully he was kind and generous.  There was even a legend that he gave away all his wealth and traveled so he can help the sick and needy. He even stopped prostitution and slavery of three poor girls. 

4. What is Santa Claus' original costume

Santa Claus' costume was originally blue, white and green. It just became red because of Coca-Cola.

5. When did Santa Claus started flying on a sleigh

via GIPHY

The image of Santa Claus riding in his sleigh was thought up by Washington Irving. The same guy who created "The Headless Horseman". As for his reindeers, do you know that all of them are girls? Its because male reindeer lose their antlers in winter..so Santa's sleigh is pulled by a team of strong women!

6. Kissing under a mistletoe

The mistletoe is a plant that grows on trees like willow, apple and oak. The tradition that it should be hanged at home goes back to the times of Druids. They believe that it possesses magical powers that can bring good luck. It is also the symbol of love and friendship, and that's how the custom of kissing under the mistletoe comes from.

7. If you have a lover..be extra careful before Christmas

One of the peak season to break up is two weeks before Christmas. It's somehow not clear why, but maybe because its the time that people think if the person they are with is someone they should be with for Christmas.

8. What is that "X"?

The abbreviation most commonly used for Christmas is "Xmas". "X" represents the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of the word "Christ". This abbreviation was used by European Christians in the 16th century.

9. Was that a star or a comet?

Astronomers believe that the Star of Bethlehem mentioned in the bible which guided the wise men may have been a comet or planet Uranus.

10. Christmas trees were not always upright

Christmas trees were once displayed upside down to allow more gifts to be piled under. It was also used before in shopping malls. Ancient times also displayed the tree like that to represent the trilogy. 

So there's the top 10 Christmas trivia for you! I hope you like our special Christmas post. If you have more ideas feel free to comment below. Please share this knowledge also to your friends