This meme contains a lot of information most of us don’t know. Just look at the dates here. I have created the same timeline below that is easier to read:
3000 BC: Ancient Egyptians (pagans) decorate homes with green palms for Winter Soltice.
735 BC: Romans (pagans) decorate homes and temples with boughs for Winter Soltice.
270 AD: St. Nicholas earns reputation as an anonymous gift-giver.
1494: Ruler of Florence, Italy commissions Michaelangelo to scupt a snowman.
1500: Germans begin decorating trees in homes.
1670: German choirmaster creates first candy cane in order to keep children quiet during holiday ceremonies.
1870: US declares Christmas a federal holiday (ONLY 152 years ago).
1880: Thomas Edison’s assistants create first Christmas lights.
1890: Massachusetts businessman, James Edgar, is 1st department store Santa.
1900: Addis creates first artificial Christmas tree.
1931: Coca-Cola’s artist draws 1st modern image of Santa Claus.
1997: NORAD uses internet to track Santa
2010: Belgian tree sets world record for tree lit with most lights (194,672 lights).
As you can see, Christmas did not become a federal, official holiday until 1870. That only 152 years ago!!
