In the 1890s, Christmas decorating in the U.S. exploded. Initially, Germany shipped ornaments to the U.S., but by the 20th century, Americans had begun decorating trees with homemade ornaments, such as popcorn and cookies. Trees made of synthetic materials also became popular.When electricity gave rise to Christmas lights, lit trees were soon erected in public spaces across the country. The custom made its way into the White House in 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The celebratory ritual is now held every year on the north lawn of the White House.Aside from the White House Christmas custom, another notable ceremony is the Rockefeller Center tree lighting in New York City, which started with a simple tree in 1931.
Two years later, the city added lights to the tree. Today, more than 25,000 Christmas Gambling Number lights adorn the Norway spruce every year. Putting up Christmas trees at home and in public areas ultimately became an invaluable American tradition for those who celebrate the holiday.ADVERTISEMENTMORE FROM ASK.COMTV & MOVIES“Hotel Portofino” Review: New PBS Masterpiece Packs Drama, Mystery And EscapismTV & MOVIES“Trigger Point” Review: New Adrenaline-Fueled Series At Peacock From The “Line Of Duty” TeamTV & MOVIESThe Top Reasons To Get An Amazon Prime Video SubscriptionLIFESTYLELongtime Lovebirds: 14 Inspiring Hollywood RelationshipsLIFESTYLE8 NFL Podcasts For Football FansCULTUREWhat Is Groundhog Day — And Why Do We Care?ADVERTISEMENTRELATED ARTICLESStrange Americana: Why Is Eggnog a Christmas Season Staple?What Is Groundhog Day — and Why Do We Care?Contemporary Black Writers Whose Must-Read Works Are Shaping Today’s Literary Landscape“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash”: Facts About the Man In BlackThe Most Anticipated Albums of 2023 – So Farsite-logoSite LogoFollow Us:FacebookTwitterinstagramAlso from The Ask Team:Ask MoneyReferenceThe Health FeedTV & MoviesNewsCultureLifestyleHelpPrivacy PolicyTerms of Service© 2024 Ask Media Group, LLCEnglishory of CBENGALIory of CEXTENSION OPTIONSMORE » Skip to contentsite-logoSite LogoAsk.
TV & MOVIESNEWSCULTURELIFESTYLESearch...Submit ButtonHome › Culture Pop CultureBy David Naar Last Updated November 27, 2023Christmas Gnomes and Zombie Horses: Meet the Mythical Creatures of Global Holiday FolkloreFacebookTwitterCopy LinkPhoto Courtesy: FooTToo/iStockMove over, high-flying reindeer and jolly gingerbread people — there’s a whole global gaggle of gleeful and gruesome holiday characters who deserve some time in the spotlight this winter. While the average American’s list of traditional Christmas beings may begin and end with Santa and his friendly, industrious elves, most people across the world enjoy the company of some intriguingly bizarre creatures when wintertime rolls around. From the kind and friendly to the slightly terrifying, we’re taking a look at legendary Christmas mischief-makers that make spirits bright (and a little bewildered) across the globe.