1. On December 25, 1862, the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou took place during the American Civil War. Iowa troops played a significant role in the Union victory, with several soldiers earning Medals of Honor for their bravery.

2. In 1875, on December 25th, a major blizzard swept through Iowa, causing widespread damage and disruption. The storm, which lasted for several days, left many communities isolated and without power.

3. In 1934, the world-renowned actor and singer Burl Ives was born in Hunt City, Illinois. Ives later lived in Iowa and became an important figure in the state's folk music scene.

4. On December 25, 1960, the first Christmas episode of The Donna Reed Show aired on television. The show, which was set in the fictional town of Hilldale, Iowa, went on to become a beloved classic.

5. In 2012, the Iowa Hawkeyes played in the Gator Bowl on December 25th, marking the first time in school history that the football team had played on Christmas Day. The game ended in a victory for the Hawkeyes over the University of Florida.