So interesting you’ll want to tell someone! December Trivia & Fun Facts Special

Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

Did you know that many traditional year-end and New Year events hide fascinating origins and meanings? From the significance behind the number of times the New Year’s Eve temple bell is struck, to the purpose of the big year-end house cleaning, and even the meaning of Christmas colors—December is full of intriguing trivia.

By learning the background of the year-end customs we usually perform without much thought, you can discover deeper meaning and charm in them.

In this article, we share fun, general-interest trivia and tidbits about December that will enrich your holiday season.

Feel free to use them as conversation starters with family and friends!

Fun facts you’ll want to share! December trivia & tidbits (21–30)

The custom of eating chicken at Christmas originated in Japan.

When you hear about eating chicken at Christmas, you might think it originated in America—but in the West, the standard is to eat turkey.

However, turkey used to be difficult to obtain in Japan.

After broiler chickens were introduced following the war, chicken became readily available, and roast chicken began to be eaten as a substitute for turkey.

Then in 1974, when KFC promoted the slogan “Fried chicken for Christmas,” it is said to have established the custom of eating fried chicken at Christmas in Japan.

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Year-end parties began in the Kamakura period.

In modern times, bōnenkai—year-end parties—are an indispensable way to wrap up the year, but their origins are said to date back to the Kamakura period.

Back then they were called “toshigoshi” or “toshiforgetting,” and served as gatherings where people who had endured a harsh year exchanged poetry and comforted one another.

Amid ongoing wars and political tensions, having time for people to spend together with smiles was the greatest balm.

These gatherings eventually spread among commoners in the Edo period and evolved into the banquet-style events we see today.

It’s a heartwarming piece of trivia that conveys human bonds across the ages.

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In conclusion

December, the month that concludes the year, is rich with a variety of enjoyable events and traditions passed down through generations. By learning trivia and fun facts about the year-end and New Year season, you can appreciate each event and custom more deeply. With this knowledge in mind, let’s prepare to welcome the new year with warmth in our hearts.