The Census Bureau has projected that the U.S. population on Jan. 1, 2010, will be 308,400,408, an increase of 0.9 percent from New Year’s Day 2009. Source: Census Bureau

As of 2008, the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball has been a 12-foot geodesic sphere (twice the size of the old New Year’s Eve Ball), weighing 11,875 pounds. It is covered in 2,668 Waterford Crystals. Source: Times Square Alliance

In 1904, the first subway line in New York City opened, and the city’s first New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square took place. Source: Times Square Alliance

Sarah Thomas became the first woman to officiate a college bowl game on Dec. 26, when she worked as the line judge in the Pizza Bowl between Ohio and Marshall. Source: Associated Press

Poinsettia plants got their name from an American minister to Mexico, Joel R. Poinsett, who brought the plant to the U.S. from Mexico in 1828. Source: History.com

Greek Orthodox churches that follow the Gregorian calendar observe Christmas on Dec. 25, like other Christian churches. But those that still follow the old Julian calendar observe Christmas 13 days later, on Jan. 7. Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America  

Boxing Day, Dec. 26, is celebrated in Australia, Canada, Britain and New Zealand. It began in Britain with a practice of giving to the less fortunate the day after Christmas. But there are several theories about its exact origins. Source: Snopes.com

On April 29, 1975, Armed Forces Radio broadcast Bing Crosby’s rendition of "White Christmas" as a code to signal the U.S. evacuation of Saigon, Vietnam. Source: Military.com and Time.com

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" was written for Judy Garland to sing in the movie musical "Meet Me in St. Louis." Source: Entertainment Weekly

The most popular holiday song played at malls is "Jingle Bells." Source: International Council of Shopping Centers