As of this writing, it is the middle of summer in our part of the world, but Christmas is just around the corner. That is if you define “just around the corner” […]
How Many Ways Can Santa Arrange His Reindeer?
Merry Christmas!
Skye, our official canine consultant, has remained awake throughout the night, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa. Although very sleepy, she is not too tired to join all of us at Commonplace […]
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 […]
Is Xmas an Attempt to Take Christ out of Christmas?
For all of the gift-giving, decorations, holiday music, delicious food, and festive traditions, there is no escaping the fact that the central element of Christmas is the recognition of the birth of […]
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 […]
Enjoy the Tasty Christmas Dish of Putrefying Birds Buried in a Seal’s Decomposing Carcass
Are you still planning your Christmas menu? Looking for some special dish that will make your table stand out? Do you want to make sure your family and friends have a holiday […]
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, […]
What is the Christian Meaning Behind A Christmas Tree?
Does the Christmas tree have meaning beyond its decorative purpose? When setting up the tree, are you participating in the further secularization of a sacred day, or is there an element of […]
The Ghoulish Ghost Guardian of South African Christmas Cookies
UPDATE — June 30, 2022 — This story has been moved to the “Debunked Legends” category, thanks to the intrepid research of Mitologia.pt. It’s still a wonderful story. What a shame that […]
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 […]
Catalonian Children Celebrate Christmas By Bludgeoning a Pooping Piece of Tree
Christmas. The very word brings to mind countless images, such as the birth of Christ, religious traditions, family gatherings, gift exchanges, Christmas carols, tasty morsels, and poop. Wait… was that last word […]
Learn About the Start of the Christmas Card Tradition
What do you do when you want to send holiday greetings to your friends, but you have too many acquaintances to permit a personal touch? Why not start a holiday tradition, instead? […]
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from Commonplace Fun Facts!
Commonplace Fun Facts 