1. Georgia became a state in 1788, but it was not until December 24, 1818, that the state legislature officially adopted the current design of the state flag.
2. On December 24, 1825, the Marquis de Lafayette, a French general who played a key role in the American Revolution, visited Georgia as part of his tour of the United States. He received a warm welcome from the people of Augusta, and the town held a grand parade and banquet in his honor.
3. The Battle of Chickamauga, one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War, took place in Georgia on September 19-20, 1863. However, on December 24 of that year, Confederate troops still held their position at the battle site, fending off Union attacks despite being low on supplies and ammunition.
4. In 1968, the Georgia State Convention Center opened in downtown Atlanta on December 24. It was one of the largest facilities of its kind in the country at the time and hosted many important events, including the 1988 Democratic National Convention.
5. On December 24, 1997, a major ice storm hit Georgia, causing widespread power outages and damage. Many people were stuck in their homes for days without heat or electricity, and the storm resulted in over $35 million in damages.