Movies
Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see
Polar Express
Before becoming a Christmas staple, this bird was historically more associated with harvest festivals than winter holidays
turkey
The world record for this traditional was set in Canberra, Australia, where a family decorated their home with over 1.2 million of these, earning a Guinness World Records title.
Christmas lights
This iconic red toy, first produced in 1917, became one of the most popular Christmas gifts of the 1920s and is still a childhood classic today
Radio flyer wagon
This date — celebrated in many countries — marks the traditional feast day of the historical St. Nicholas.
Dec 6
Now I have a machine gun. Ho ho ho.
Die Hard
This Christmas favorite became popular after pork overtook beef as America’s most affordable meat in the early 1900s
ham
The first of this item (1843) caused public outrage because it showed a family drinking wine—including children—leading critics to accuse it of promoting underage drinking
Christmas cards
During 1940s, families often wrapped certificates for this Christmas gift, encouraged by the U.S. Treasury as a way to turn holiday spending into national defense funding.
War bonds
St. Nicholas was a 4th-century Christian bishop who lived in Myra, in what is now modern-day part of this country
Turkey
This one’s kinda sweet… this one’s kinda sad
Gremlins
In the southern U.S., this dish’s alternate name is preferred because it’s often cooked outside the bird
Stuffing or dressing
Some cultures hang stockings on these since Not every tradition involves fireplaces—especially in homes without chimneys
doorknobs
This fashion doll debuted in 1959 and became the most requested Christmas toy for girls throughout the 1960s
Barbie
One of the most famous legends says he threw bags of this through a window at night to help a poor family—establishing the tradition of anonymous gift-giving.
bags of gold
Well, something had to break the window
Christmas Vacation
This casserole became a holiday standard after a soup company promoted it as a six-ingredient recipe in the 1950s
green bean casserole
This familiar holiday symbol was once believed to ward off evil spirits when hung near doors and fireplaces.
Holiday wreaths
This toy was introduced in 1983 and caused nationwide shopping frenzies. Parents waited in long lines and even broke out in fights trying to get one. Each one came with something unique that added to the interest
Cabbage Patch Kids
In 1087, merchants moved his remains from Myra to this country where the Basilica of St. Nicholas remains a major pilgrimage site today
Italy
You sit on a throne of lies
Elf
This drink dates back to medieval Britain, where it began as a hot ale-based beverage called “posset
eggnog
This now-common Christmas tradition was banned in parts of Europe in the 1600s for encouraging disorderly behavior, public drunkenness, and role reversals between social classes
Christmas caroling
According to Chat GPT, what will the most popular gift be of the year 2200?
A fully customized digital or cognitive enhancement, such as:
A temporary skill upload (learn a language, instrument, or profession)
A curated memory experience (reliving moments, historical events, or shared family simulations)
A personal AI companion upgrade tailored to emotions, creativity, or legacy preservation
Many egends credit him with this, making him a beloved saint among sailors and travelers.
saving ships during violent storms