First National Christmas Tree
On December 24, 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first national Christmas tree outside the White House. It’s a tradition that continues to this day, though it has evolved significantly over the years.
Christmas
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First Printing of “A Visit from St. Nicholas”
“A Visit from St. Nicholas” was first printed anonymously on December 23, 1823. Eventually attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, the poem gave Americans the version of Santa we have today.
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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
On December 6, 1964, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first premiered on television. Based on a popular book and song, it became an instant classic, appearing on television every year since.
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NORAD Tracks Santa
On December 24, 1955, NORAD’s predecessor tracked Santa Claus for the first time.
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First Performance of “Silent Night”
“Silent Night” was first performed on Christmas Eve in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria, in 1818.
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
On December 18, 1966, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! premiered on TV.
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The World’s First Christmas Stamp
On December 7, 1898, Canada issued what many consider to be the world’s first Christmas stamp.
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Holiday Celebrations Series
On October 22, 1996, the USPS issued its first stamp honoring Hanukkah, which was also the first stamp in the Holiday Celebrations Series.
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America’s First Theme Park
On August 3, 1946, the first themed amusement park in America opened in Santa Claus, Indiana.
