I love collecting random facts and observations (earlier editions here, here, here, here, and here!), and it's especially fun at Christmas time. Here are a few of the things that made me say "huh!" lately. Do you know any of these?

A Christmas Story

Most of us with cable subscriptions have seen the plight of Ralphie and his quest for a Red Ryder BB gun over and over again. I was at a friend's Christmas party recently and he had a type of shrine to the movie featuring the leg lamp aka the "Major Award." What I didn't know was this lamp was based on an old soda pop ad.

I suppose the fish-net stockings are "poetic license."

White Christmas

The National Weather Association (NOAA) really wants you to stop dreaming of a White Christmas. I can picture some uber-smart scientist who bristles at the mention of the Bing Crosby standard: " People, there are FACTS about weather, so pipe down and get comfortable with the odds that most of you won't be seeing white!!" Whatever. I say dream away!

Santa Tracker Controversy

You may know that the NORAD (the air defense agency for North America) provides an annual "Santa Tracker" for the world to keep track of Santa's path around the globe. But, did you know this year NORAD ditched their long-standing relationship with Google in order to use Microsoft Maps & Apps? No mention of whether they even considered Apple Maps.

Regardless, I just hope he can find his way to our house and pick up his messy elf, Kaleb!

Siri knows Santa

Have you tried asking your phone for Santa's home address? Siri has the coordinates!

Candy Canes

I like peppermint well enough, but I was startled to find out two Billion (yes, with a "B") candy canes are sold in the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Who eats all of that sugar?! I understand pumpkin consumption, but peppermint? Hmm. You can learn more than you ever want to know about this candy at candycanefacts.com. Yes, there's a website for everything!

Silent Night

I had never heard the story behind this hymn until this year. Silent Night was written on Christmas Eve in 1818 because a church had a broken organ. The organist and the priest still wanted music at their service, so they quickly jotted down a song suitable for the guitar. Apparently the guy who came to repair the organ loved the song so much, he decided to teach the music and lyrics to others. Silent Night slowly spread and lingered around for another 127 years before Bing Crosby recorded it for the film "The Bells of St. Mary's." At that point, the song's popularity was solidified.

Christmas Scrabble

For those of you with an affinity for scrabble, remember this important point hierarchy: Noel (4 points), Love (7 points), Peace (9 points), Hope (9 points), Faith (11 points), and Joy (13 points). Always opt for Joy!

What have you learned about Christmas this year?

Random Learning - Christmas Edition