Paul Layendecker’s “WAY BACK WHEN” for Thurs., Dec. 25th, 2025
1776 – George Washington famously crosses the Delaware River on Christmas night, leading to a surprise victory at the Battle of Trenton—one of the most pivotal moments of the American Revolution.
1868 – President Andrew Johnson grants full pardons to all Confederate soldiers, formally closing the book on the Civil War.
1906 – The first voice and music radio broadcast airs on Christmas Eve into Christmas Day, featuring violin music and Bible readings—radio’s unofficial birthday gift
1914 – During World War I, the famous Christmas Truce takes place as British and German soldiers lay down arms, sing carols, and even play soccer in no-man’s land.
Music History:
1932 – Bing Crosby records White Christmas, which goes on to become the best-selling single of all time.
Notable Christmas Birthdays:
Annie Lennox (1954) – Co-founder of Eurythmics, Grammy winner, and powerful humanitarian voice.
Dido (1971) – Known for Thank You and White Flag—one of the most recognizable voices of the 2000s.
Sissy Houston (1933) – Legendary gospel singer and mother of Whitney Houston.
Credit to:
Thisdayinmusic.com and Thisdaytrivia.com
