Gil Thorp by Henry Barajas and Rachel Merrill for December 25, 2023

An estimated 85% of American kids believe in Santa Claus. And the average age when children stop believing is eight.

Tom Hanks played six different roles in ‘The Polar Express.’ In addition to voicing the conductor, Hanks also played Hero Boy, Father, Hobo, Scrooge, and Santa Claus.

Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? This popular kissing tradition may have its roots in Norse mythology. Frigg, the goddess of love, promised to kiss anyone who passed under the berry-laden plant after it saved her son’s life.

’It’s a Wonderful Life’ was a box-office flop. The enduring Christmas classic initially bombed at the box office. It wasn’t until 1974, when its copyright expired and television networks could air it for free, that it cemented its place as one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time.

‘’Twas the Night Before Christmas’ actually has a totally different title. Clement Clarke Moore’s iconic 1823 poem is actually called “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” It’s more commonly known as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” because of its famous first line.

‘Jingle Bells’ was the first song played in space. On December 16, 1965, the Christmas song was broadcast during NASA’s Gemini 6A space flights.

Coca-Cola played a big role in shaping the image of Santa. In 1931, Coca‑Cola commissioned an artist to paint Santa Claus for the company’s Christmas ads. The artist created the warm, jolly character we all know today, complete with rosy cheeks, a white beard, and twinkling eyes.

Bing Crosby’s classic song “White Christmas” is not only the best-selling Christmas song, but the best-selling single of all time.

Rudolph was a marketing gimmick. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer made his debut in 1939 in a giveaway coloring book created by a copywriter for the Montgomery Ward department store.

Natalie Wood, who was 8 years old, still believed in Santa Claus when she starred in ‘Miracle on 34th Street.’