The Origins of Christmas Legends and Traditions We Didn’t Know

Every December, a familiar sight and sound herald the holiday season: Salvation Army bell-ringers and their iconic red kettles. This tradition of generosity began in 1891 with Salvation Army Capt. Joseph McFee in San Francisco. Determined to fund a free Christmas dinner for 1,000 of the city’s impoverished residents, McFee drew inspiration from a kettle in England used for collecting coins for the needy.

Setting up his own kettle, he sparked a movement that quickly spread nationwide and beyond. Today, the Salvation Army extends aid to over 4.5 million people during the festive season. Embracing modern technology, they now accept donations not just in cash but also via smartphones, adapting a century-old tradition to the digital age.