Christmas weather has played a major role in the history of the United States. On Christmas night in 1776, George Washington and his rag tag army crossed the Delaware River, the first move in a surprise attack against the German Hessian mercenary forces at Trenton, New Jersey, leading to the Battle of Trenton on the morning of the 26th.
On Christmas night and into the next morning, George Washington crossed the ice choked Delaware River. The march on Trenton occurred in the midst of snow and sleet. The combination of the holiday season and unfavorable weather resulted in the surprise and capture of many of the garrison and is said to mark a turning point in the American Revolution.
Legend has it that the Hessians were all hung over from partying so hard the night before. Either way, we won and the formation of the greatest Nation in the world had begun!