1. The first recorded Christmas celebration in Nevada took place on December 24, 1858, when a group of miners in Virginia City gathered to sing carols and exchange gifts.

2. In 1863, December 24 marked the day when President Abraham Lincoln signed Nevada's statehood proclamation, officially making it the 36th state in the Union.

3. December 24, 1912, marks the date when Nevada became the first state to legalize gambling, establishing itself as a leading destination for casino gaming.

4. On December 24, 1954, the famous Atomic Cocktail, a cocktail made with radioactive alcohol, was served at a Las Vegas casino to promote the city's nuclear testing program.

5. In 1986, December 24 was a significant date in Nevada sports history, as the University of Nevada, Reno football team won its first bowl game, the California Bowl, with a 13-7 victory over Miami of Ohio.