December is known around the world as a family time of celebration honoring cultures, religions and traditions that have been with humanity for hundreds of years. See below for a mix of the weird and wonderful facts about this magical month!

1. An almanac prediction states that if snow falls on Christmas Day, Easter will be warm, green and sunny.
2. The name December comes from the Latin decem for “ten,” as it was the 10th month in the Roman calendar.
3. December 12th is Poinsettia Day.
4. Saint Nicholas, who would eventually be called Santa Claus, was originally the patron saint of children, thieves and pawnbrokers!
5. December 28th is considered by some to be the unluckiest day of the year.
6. The first artificial Christmas tree was made in Germany, fashioned out of goose feathers that were dyed green!
7. Spiders and spiderwebs are considered good luck on Christmas.
8. “Jingle Bells” was composed in 1857, and not for Christmas – it was meant to be a Thanksgiving song!
9. In 1647, Oliver Cromwell, English Puritan leader, banned the festivities of Christmas for being immoral on such a holy day. Anyone who was seen celebrating was arrested! The ban was lifted in 1660.
10. An ancient legend states that forest animals can speak in human language on Christmas Eve!