By R.U. Steinberg

DECEMBER 22, 1997: 

From the 12th century until 1752, the New Year was celebrated on March 25, also known as Lady Day.

Some of Santa Claus' traditions, such as the sleigh, flying reindeer, and roof- top visits, were the result of a N.Y.C. physician, Dr. Clement Clarke Moore, who wrote "A Visit From St. Nick" for his daughter.

Hannukah was first instituted in 165 B.C. by Judah the Maccabee.

There is no place in the U.S. named "Prancer." However, there are places named Dasher, Vixen, Comet, Cupid Lake, Donner und Blitzen River, Rudolph, and Santa Claus.

Kwanzaa, a holiday observed by some African-Amercians, was begun in 1966 by Dr. M. Ron Karenga, a Los Angeles civil rights activist.

The above is information which Mr. Smarty Pants read in a book, a magazine, or the newspaper; heard on the radio; saw on television; or overheard at a party. Got any facts? E-mail: mrpants@auschron.com

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