1. Christmas trees were first lighted with actual candles, which presented a fire hazard. As a result containers filled with water had to be kept near the Christmas tree.
2. Workers in the construction industry are responsible for the tradition of having a Christmas tree on display at Rockefeller Center in New York City. They are credited with placing an undecorated tree at the site in the early 1930s.
3. Since the mid-1960s, The National Christmas Tree Association has maintained a presence in the White House at Christmas by donating a Christmas tree to the First Family.
4. The former Woolworth department store first sold manufactured Christmas tree ornaments in 1880.
5. Plastic became the primary material used to make tinsel after their use for decorative purposes was at one time prohibited because lead was used in the manufacturing process.
6. The idea of Christmas greeting cards started in Britain in the late 1830s when John Calcott Horsley started to produce small cards that had festive scenes and a holiday greeting written inside. Similar cards were also being made in the United States at about the same time by R.H. Pease, in Albany, New York, and Louis Prang, who was a German immigrant. The idea of
sending the greeting cards during Christmas gained popularity in both countries about 10 years later when new postal delivery services started.
7. The shortened form Xmas for Christmas has been popular in Europe since the 1500s. It is believed to be derived from the Greek word 'Xristos' which means Christ.
8. According to the National Confectioners Association, for 200 years candy canes were only made in the color of white and it wasn't until in the 1950s that a machine was invented that could automate the production of candy canes.
Hugh
August 28th, 2009 at 11:59 am
1.0 out of 5 stars
Very low quality
We received this product as a gift. It never worked properly. The sensor would have to be in exactly the right position to get any response at all.
Anonymous
August 28th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great system – fun for all at an unbeatable price
We have had the Jakks Pacific Ultimotion system for over a year now and our 2 boys (5 year old and 3 year old) love it.
Cais
August 28th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun activity for the whole family
This toy has provided my children ages 3-14 with hours of fun. A great and inexpensive alternative to the Wii. Great fun..thanks!!
Kyleigh
August 28th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
ultimotion
This is a great toy and a lot less expensive than the Wii. My kids love it.
Valora
August 29th, 2009 at 1:48 am
4.0 out of 5 stars
Don’t listen to the haters
For the money, this is a GREAT toy. We have had no problems getting the controller to synch and can’t figure out why anybody else does.
Anonymous
August 29th, 2009 at 7:45 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pleased with Purchase
This unit is a pretty good deal.
The only issue we have is that it only comes with a single controller.
Josue
August 29th, 2009 at 11:01 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
cheaper than the WII but just as good
I got this for my Grandchildren 6 and 3 and they love it. It teaches them how to bat, bowl, throw a football and golf.
Sy
August 29th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Alternative to Wii
Our family have loved this game system. The kids really get into all the sports and it’s better then having them sit and play video games all day.
Ordell
August 29th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good substitute
For Christmas we wanted to purchase a Nintendo Wii for our kids but they were sold out everywhere. We came across this item for only 20.00, it was nearly 80.
Oraefo
August 30th, 2009 at 2:36 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Surprising Wii look alike
I actually bought this for my grandson not realizing he had just received a Wii already. After trying it out I decided I would keep it for myself (grandpa’s can have fun too).