Once upon a time, there was a place called Wonderland. No, this is not a story about the mythical place created by Lewis Carrol. The Wonderland of this story was real. It […]
How Freak Shows Revolutionized Medical Care for Babies
It is Illegal in Georgia to Sell a Child Under the Age of 12 to a Circus
For anyone who is hoping to make money through the sale of children to circuses, be careful when conducting business in Georgia. The state has imposed a minimum age for such a […]
How to Become a Professional Santa Claus
All schools have a code of conduct, but some put a particular emphasis on keeping a list of who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. If you want to make the spreading […]
Is Your Kid a Dumbbell? Take Advantage of It!
Most parents work very hard to encourage their children not to be dumbbells. At least one parent has a completely different idea and actually encourages it.
How Many Licks Does it Take To Get to the Tootsie Roll Center of a Tootsie Pop?
In 1970, the world was asked the question, “How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?” The question was posed in an animated […]
Thank the Creator of the Headless Horseman for Your Favorite American Christmas Traditions
There are certain people who figure prominently in the development of Christmas traditions. What would Christmas be like without Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” Thomas Nast’s depiction of Santa, or Clement Moore’s immortal […]
Don’t Spend Christmas in the Emergency Room
Christmas is a time to spend in church, shopping in stores, and visiting the homes of family and friends. For too many people, it is also a time to spend in the […]
How Much Do You Know About Santa Claus?
One of the most recognized people in the world is that jolly, old elf, Santa Claus. Everything about him — his beard, hat, coat, belly, and even his distinctive laugh — immediately […]
The Charming Christmas Tradition of the Belly-Slitting Witch
The Ideas Department of Commonplace Fun Facts suggested a series of stories during the month of December about Christmas traditions around the world. “Great,” replied the Research Department. “We’ll find some charming, […]
The Ghoulish Ghost Guardian of South African Christmas Cookies
Freshly-baked Christmas cookies can be so tempting! The sugary morsels, specially-decorated for the holidays are so inviting that it is almost impossible to resist the urge to sneak one or two. After […]
The Jolly Old Elf With a Jolly Ol’ Address
Many people have difficulty remembering to stay on Santa’s “Nice” list throughout the year, but remembering his address is much simpler.
Iceland’s Terrifying Christmas Traditions
Although Christmas is generally considered the most joyous of holidays, it does generate its share of stress. The pressure of Christmas shopping, meal planning, and holiday travel can cause anxiety for even […]
Wearing the Crown Brings Some Unusual Rights
Historically, royalty carries with it inherent aspects of sovereignty, power, and might. To wear the crown is to have the ability to yell, “Off with their heads!” and have the command carried […]
Dick Van Dyke’s Secret to Parenting
“I decided, when I started having kids, that I’d try not to do anything that I wouldn’t be proud for them to see. I’ve kind of stuck with that, and I don’t […]
Finding an Aspiring Artist In Every Child
Legendary cartoonist Mort Walker is remembered as the creator of the popular comic strips Beetle Bailey and Hi and Lois. In his book, Lexicon of Comicana, he reflected on the artistic potential […]
Commonplace Fun Facts 