On This Day December 24th

 OTD

December 24th is the 358th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 7 days remain until the end of the year.

 Events

1777 – Kiritimati, also called Christmas Island, was discovered by James Cook.

1814 – Representatives of the United Kingdom and the United States signed the Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812.

1818 – The first "Silent Night" performance occurs in the Nikolauskirche in Oberndorf, Austria.

1871 – The opera Aida premieres in Cairo, Egypt.

1914 – World War I: The "Christmas truce" begins.

1929 – A four-alarm fire breaks out in the West Wing of the White House in Washington, D.C.

1968 – Apollo program: The crew of Apollo 8 enters into orbit around the Moon, becoming the first humans to do so. They performed ten lunar orbits and broadcast live TV pictures.

 

Birthdays

1596 – Leonaert Bramer, Dutch painter (d. 1674)

1754 – George Crabbe, English priest, surgeon, and poet (d. 1832)

1809 – Kit Carson, American general (d. 1868)

1868 – Charles Harvey Bollman, American naturalist (d. 1889)

1885 – Paul Manship, American sculptor (d. 1966)

1905 – Howard Hughes, American businessman, engineer, and pilot (d. 1976)

1922 – Ava Gardner, American actress (d. 1990)

1945 – Steve Smith, Canadian-American actor and comedian

1961 – Mary Barra, American businesswoman, current CEO and chairwoman of General Motors

1966 – Diedrich Bader, American actor

1992 – Davante Adams, American football player

 

Holiday Spotlight

Christmas Eve

  As the frosty whispers of winter touch the earth, the world readies itself for a night of serene beauty and heartfelt warmth: Christmas Eve. This is not just a prelude to Christmas; it's a celebration steeped in tradition, spirituality, and joyous anticipation that resonates deeply in the hearts of millions.

  On December 24th, the world seems to hold its breath in anticipation. The streets gleam with rows of twinkling lights, homes are adorned with glittering decorations, and the air carries the melody of carols sung for generations. Christmas Eve is a tapestry of customs that vary wonderfully across the globe, yet all share the common threads of family, love, and celebration.

 For many, the evening is a spiritual journey, marking the end of Advent and the arrival of the holy night that witnessed the birth of Jesus Christ. Churches welcome the faithful with open doors and candlelit services, where stories of hope and redemption are revisited, filling the atmosphere with reverence and peace.

 Families gather around bountiful tables in homes, sharing traditional meals that are as much a feast for the soul as for the palate. Laughter echoes through the halls, stories are passed down like precious heirlooms, and the spirit of generosity flows freely. Children, wide-eyed with wonder, listen for the sleigh bells of Santa Claus, their imaginations alight with magic and mystery.

 But perhaps the most profound aspect of Christmas Eve is its universal message of peace and goodwill. It's a time when differences are set aside, and people are united in the season's spirit. Communities reach out with acts of kindness, reflecting the core values of compassion and giving that underpin the holiday.

 As the night unfolds, a sense of joyous expectation fills the air, with each twinkling star reminding us of the love and light that Christmas promises to bring. Christmas Eve is a day of reflection, connection, and joy — a precious moment before the dawn of Christmas Day, when the world is quieter, hearts are open, and the spirit of Christmas is alive and well.

Other Include

Last-Minute Shopper's Day

Libya Independence Day

National Eggnog Day

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