Christmas Day is approaching, when we remember and celebrate the birth of Christ and look forward to relaxing and taking some time off work to be with friends and family. I thought it would be interesting to find out about some other historical events – big and small – that have taken place on Christmas Day in both Europe and the U.S. over the centuries. Third century – Turkish legend says that St. Nicholas would throw coins down the chimneys of poor women who couldn’t afford dowries (which was essential to marriage at this time) and that this money would land in stockings that were hung over the fire to dry.