What Happened on December 23?
December 23 is Festivus — for the rest of us! — on the same date 'Twas the Night Before Christmas was published in 1823, the transistor was demonstrated in 1947, and Washington resigned his commission in 1783.
-
1783 — George Washington resigns his military commission to Congress
On December 23, 1783, George Washington returned his commission as commander-in-chief to Congress in Annapolis — choosing civilian rule over military power. Read the full story →
-
1823 — A Visit from St. Nicholas is published — 'Twas the Night Before Christmas'
On December 23, 1823, the Troy Sentinel printed the poem A Visit from St. Nicholas — the verses that shaped Santa's modern image. Read the full story →
-
1888 — Vincent van Gogh suffers the crisis that leads to cutting his ear
On the night of December 23, 1888, after a clash with painter Paul Gauguin in Arles, Vincent van Gogh mutilated his own ear — a tragedy tied to illness and fame. Read the full story →
-
1913 — President Wilson signs the Federal Reserve Act
On December 23, 1913, Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act — creating the central banking system that still guides U.S. money policy. Read the full story →
-
1947 — Bell Labs scientists demonstrate the first transistor
On December 23, 1947, John Bardeen and Walter Brattain, with William Shockley's leadership circle at Bell Labs, showed a working point-contact transistor. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Madam C. J. Walker (1867–1919) · Akihito (1933) · Eddie Vedder (1964) · Susan Lucci (1946)
Days & observances
Festivus · National Pfeffernüsse Day · Roots Day · Happy Holidays Prep Day