Everything is bigger in Texas, including Christmas stories. From historic milestones to bizarre snowstorms, these ten events show how the Lone Star State brings its unique flair to the holiday season.

1. Texas declares Christmas a public holiday (1879)

Texans didn’t officially declare Christmas a holiday until 1879, because we were busy waging wars, wrangling cattle and inventing chili. When lawmakers finally got around to it, the news was met with a collective “It’s about damn time!” Ranchers celebrated with eggnog strong enough to kill an ox, and Texans around the world got one step closer to the modern tradition of eating tamales by the dozen.

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2. The Christmas Truce of the Battle of San Jacinto (1836)

Even in the midst of the Texas Revolution, the Texas and Mexican forces took a breather on Christmas Day. Legend has it that they laid down their weapons to enjoy a day of peace—and maybe even some enchiladas. While it’s unclear if anyone exchanged gifts, we’d like to assume Santa dropped off some ammo just in case.

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3. First recorded Christmas celebration in Texas (1683)

The first Christmas in Texas was celebrated in 1683 by Spanish explorers led by Alonso de León. They gathered near Victoria County, held a Catholic mass, and shared their rations of tamales, tortillas, and (probably) some wine. If this isn’t proof that tamales are a sacred Christmas tradition in Texas, we don’t know what is.

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4. The Tradition of Christmas Tree Lighting in Galveston (1850s)

In the 1850s, Galveston lit the first Texas community Christmas tree, sparking a tradition that would spread nationwide. It probably wasn’t as sparkly as today’s LED displays, but you can bet the folks from Galveston threw in a few oyster shells and bay shrimp for decoration. And if you had too much holiday punch, you could just sleep it off on the beach.

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5. The Great Fort Worth Christmas Fire (1890)

In 1890, a Christmas party in Fort Worth turned into an inferno when a stray spark set fire to a number of downtown businesses. Instead of allowing the tragedy to ruin their holiday spirit, locals rebuilt with fireproof buildings — and probably a few stricter fire codes. If there’s one thing Texans can do, it’s bounce back. It also gave people an excuse to roast marshmallows over the smoldering ruins.

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6. Armistice Christmas in Texas (1918)

When World War I ended in 1918, Texans did everything they could to celebrate a peace-oriented Christmas. Cities like Houston and Dallas held huge parades with soldiers, bands, and maybe a few oil barons dressed as Santa Claus. The entire state was lit up in the spirit of Christmas – and probably a few too many fireworks, because, well, it’s Texas.

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7. The Amarillo Christmas Blizzard (1982)

Amarillo’s Christmas storm in 1982 dumped snow drifts up to 15 feet high, stranded families and turned every street into an ice rink. However, Texans are extremely resourceful. Some people built snowmen the size of trucks, while others used tractors to deliver groceries and gifts. Somewhere in the chaos, a cowboy probably lassoed a snowplow and saved Christmas.

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8. The Lone Star Santas Christmas Convoy (2005)

After Hurricane Katrina, the Lone Star Santas launched their first Christmas convoy, delivering toys and cheer to children in need. This wasn’t your average Santa operation – there were cowboy hats, decorated pickup trucks, and enough grills in the back to feed an army. When Texans get into the holiday spirit, they don’t do it halfway.

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9. LBJ’s Christmas on the Ranch (1960s)

President Lyndon B. Johnson transformed his Texas ranch into a Christmas wonderland during his presidency. Guests included family, friends and international executives who were able to experience the magic of Christmas, Texas style. Think huge barbecues, cowboy carols, and LBJ handing out presents like Santa Claus in a Stetson. We bet the Secret Service got him riding a reindeer.

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10. The Lighting of the Christmas Tree at the Texas Capitol (1994)

Since 1994, the Texas State Capitol has been home to one of the state’s most elaborate Christmas tree lighting displays. Each year, a towering tree is decorated with cow-head-sized ornaments and thousands of lights that are visible from miles away. Texans come together to celebrate, sip hot chocolate (or apple cider), and show the rest of the country how holiday cheer really comes about.

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From cowboys saving Christmas to the first tamale celebration, Texas knows how to make the holidays unforgettable. What story made you laugh—or crave tamales? Let us know in the comments!