1. The famous painter Tom Lee was born on December 20, 1907, in Guthrie, Texas. He was a renowned artist in the mid-twentieth century and is known for his portraits of political figures and celebrities.

2. December 20, 1983, marked the deadliest day in the history of the Texas Air National Guard when a C-130 Hercules transport plane crashed near Brownwood, Texas, killing all ten crew members on board.

3. On December 20, 1838, Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar tried to establish a religious republic, declaring that "the only security for freedom of conscience is found in an entire separation of church and state." This proclamation was strongly opposed by the Catholic Church and other religious groups.

4. In 1955, December 20 was designated as a state holiday in Texas to honor those who served in the Texas Revolution. This day is still celebrated as "Texas Independence Day," commemorating the historic day in 1835 when a group of Texans fought against Mexican troops at the Battle of Gonzales.

5. On December 20, 1991, the first-ever Texas Bowl was played between the University of Texas and the University of Pittsburgh. The game was held at the Astrodome in Houston and was won by Texas with a score of 31-28. Since then, the Texas Bowl has become a popular postseason football game in the state of Texas.