This Week in History: December 18th - December 24th

Graham Pierrepoint

While the festive season may well be on the horizon, that doesn’t mean that we’re packing away our time machine just yet – the world never sleeps, not even for goose dinners and stockings full of gifts! Here’s our selection of the most interesting moments from times gone by this week.

December 18th, 1892: The Nutcracker Suite Premieres
In a festive twist to begin with, we this week celebrate the 125th birthday of Tchaikovsky’s celebrated seasonal ballet – one which is still being replayed and enjoyed by millions to this day.

December 19th, 1932: The BBC Branches Out Abroad
The BBC has been offering services to overseas territories since the early 30s – how else could Doctor Who and Top Gear fans across the pond get their sci-fi and motoring fixes otherwise? 85 years of world service will be celebrated this week.

December 20th, 1812: Grimm’s Fairy Tales Debut
Some of the most famous fairy tales and legends – some of them genuinely grim in nature, too – made their debut on bookshelves two centuries ago – and to this day, we’re still seeing new takes on their stories and twisted tales both on the small and big screen.

December 21st, 1937: Animated Feature Films Debut With Snow White
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is commonly known as Disney’s first-ever feature-length animated film, and it’s also the first to ever premiere, period – making it a trailblazer and, at the time, a considerable gamble! Thankfully, it paid off – and in a big way indeed.

December 22nd, 2010: ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is Repealed
A landmark moment in US societal history saw a ban on homosexuals joining the army lifted by Barack Obama, ending a policy which had been enshrined since 1993 – a huge step forward for homosexual men and women throughout the country.

December 23rd, 1888: Van Gogh Uses His Razor
Perhaps just as famous for his painting of sunflowers as he is for the removal of his own ear, it was mid-December when the legendary artist removed his left receptor and sent it to a prostitute – having done so following a heated argument.

December 24th, 1818: ‘Silent Night’ Debuts
Fittingly, perhaps the most famous Christmas carol of all time made its debut at an Austrian parish – St Nicholas, even more fittingly – almost exactly 200 years ago – and we’re still singing it!

Join us next week for our Christmas week trip through time!