Welcome to December 24, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate clearing up the mystery behind two holiday favorites. 

You may be scratching your head as to how eggnog its name and which came first, the egg or the nog? It turns out that alcohol was once served in carved wooden mugs called noggins. In the middle ages a drink known as posset was made with milk, spices, and alcohol and served as a cold remedy. From there the trail gets foggy with some adding eggs to the recipe and others calling it egg flip for the way it got poured between two pitchers. Because rum was known as grog here in the States, one bartender dubbed it “egg and grog.” Confusing, we know, but one thing is sure, National Eggnog Day celebrates the delicious flavor that’s been a holiday favorite much longer than pumpkin spice.  

T’was the night before Christmas, and all through the house… You know the rest. Most of us do. Clement Moore’s classic poem is one of the best-known literary works in American history. When he wrote it in 1822, he used the title “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” He shared the story with a friend who liked it so much that they sent it to a newspaper for publication, without Moore’s permission, and without his name attached. The poem became a huge success, though no one knew Moore had written it. He was reluctant to claim the piece until his children urged him to do so, and in 1844 he finally included it in a book of poetry. On Christmas Eve, we celebrate with a quote from Moore’s poem: “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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