13 Unexpected Origins of Christmas Traditions

Many holiday traditions we assume have existed for thousands of years. But then there's Elf on the Shelf, which only started in 2005. What are the stories behinds other Christmas traditions?
The First Christmas Movie

Source: BFI
I'm Dreaming of Charles Dickens

Source: BBC
A Very Merry Grimm Brothers Christmas

Source: PBS
Santa Used to Have a Lot to Say

Source: Smithsonian
How Rudolph Saved His Writer From Debt

Source: Snopes
Christmas Was Illegal in the Massachusetts Bay Colony

Source: New York Times
Jesus's Moving Birthday

Source: Washington Post
Caroling is for Drunks

Source: BBC
Donner and Blitzen Aren't Canon

Source: Snopes
"Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" Is Actually Sad

More: 5 Beloved Holiday Traditions That Started Out Crazy Dark
Wrapping Paper Was Created by Hallmark

Source: The Atlantic
Cops Came Up with Black Friday

Source: New York Times
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Source: Rockefeller Center