1. In 1818, the first Catholic Midnight Mass in St. Louis was celebrated on Christmas Eve. This was a significant moment for the city's Catholic community, as it marked the official founding of the first Catholic parish in St. Louis.

2. On December 24, 1851, the first telegraph line between St. Louis and Chicago was completed. This development greatly improved communication and commerce between the two cities.

3. In 1864, during the Civil War, General William T. Sherman issued an order in St. Louis that granted limited amnesty to Confederate soldiers who surrendered before January 1, 1865. This move was an attempt to encourage an end to the war and reunite the country.

4. On December 24, 1903, the Wright brothers conducted the first powered flight in history. While this event did not take place in Missouri, it had a significant impact on aviation and led to many advancements in air travel over the years.

5. In 1957, the longest bridge in Missouri, the Missouri River Bridge, opened to traffic on December 24. The bridge spanned over 4,000 feet and connected St. Joseph, Missouri, with Elwood, Kansas, improving transportation and commerce in the region.