Christmas is still coming, and the geese are too fat to waddle! We all know what today is and why it is so important to many of us. But, do you know that December 24th is about much more than just Christmas Eve? Here are some of the most interesting things about December 24th.
On this day
1Hagia Sophia was rededicated.
On 24 December 562, Hagia Sophia in Constantinople was rededicated after its great dome collapsed following an earthquake in 558. The rebuilt dome still stands today.
2The Royal Alcázar of Madrid burned down.
On 24 December 1734, a fire destroyed the Royal Alcázar, the palace of the Spanish kings in Madrid. More than 500 paintings were lost, but some masterpieces, including Velázquez’s Las Meninas, were saved. The Royal Palace was built on the site.
3The Treaty of Ghent was signed.
On 24 December 1814, Britain and the United States signed the Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812. News travelled so slowly that the Battle of New Orleans was fought two weeks later.
4San Francisco's first great fire broke out.
On 24 December 1849, fire swept through the gold rush town of San Francisco. It was the first of six great fires that destroyed much of the city between 1849 and 1851.
5Eisenhower was promoted
In 1943, US President FDR appointed General Eisenhower Supreme Commander of the Allied forces. He’d go on to become the US President himself in 1953, staying in power until 1961. Both FDR and Eisenhower were very popular Presidents if we’re to believe historians!
Special Days Falling on December 24th
We know that you’re already aware of a particular special event taking place today, but what about all of the others taking place around the world? Here are some of the other important events of today to consider.
Last-Minute Shoppers’ Day
Last-Minute Shopper’s Day is celebrated every December 24th! The day marks the last day shoppers have to get their holiday purchases ready for the season before the big day tomorrow! So, if you haven’t got everything you need, the best way to celebrate today is by heading out and getting it all done!
Libya Independence Day
On 24 December 1951, Libya became independent under King Idris I, following a United Nations resolution. It had been ruled by Italy and then occupied by Britain and France after the Second World War.
National Consumer Rights Day
For the people of India, December 24th is National Consumer Rights Day. Consumers can sometimes feel a bit powerless, especially around this time of year, which is so focused on mass consumption, that today is the perfect day to remember that you do have rights, and they should not be infringed upon during all the chaos of December!
This month in history
The first air raid on Britain. On 24 December 1914, during the First World War, a German plane dropped a single bomb on Dover, in the first air raid on British soil. Nobody was killed.
Famous Birthdays on December 24th
- Howard Hughes, American tycoon and movie producer, born 1905
- Ava Gardner, American actor, born 1922
- Lemmy, Motörhead frontman, born 1945
- Clarence Gilyard, American actor, born 1955
- Ricky Martin, Puerto Rican singer, born 1971
If you were born on December 24th
…you’re a Capricorn! You’re a very adaptable person and can pretty much fit in anywhere! And, with the amount of family members you’re likely to see today, that’s probably a good thing! People love you for your work ethic and your grounded nature – which makes you pretty popular!
So, give yourself a break and head over to our Capricorn facts page to learn more – and you might just find out a few things that inspire you to keep an eye on your horoscopes for the new year ahead.
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