1. The Boston Tea Party Occurred on December 26, 1773: The infamous event known as the Boston Tea Party occurred on December 26, 1773, when a group of colonists in Boston, Massachusetts, disguised themselves as Native Americans and raided three British ships carrying tea, dumping their cargo into the harbor. This event is often cited as a key moment leading up to the American Revolution.

2. The Pilgrims Celebrated the First Boxing Day in Plymouth, 1620: While the tradition of Boxing Day – the day after Christmas when servants and tradespeople traditionally received gifts from their employers – is largely associated with the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations, the first recorded celebration of Boxing Day on American soil took place in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620. The Pilgrims marked the occasion by giving tokens of gratitude to their Native American hosts.

3. The Salem Witchcraft Trials Continued: Many of the accused witches in the infamous Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692-93 were still being held in prison on December 26, as the trials dragged on for months. The trials resulted in the execution of 20 people and the imprisonment of dozens more.

4. John Adams Married Abigail Smith, 1764: Future U.S. President John Adams married Abigail Smith on December 26, 1764, in Weymouth, Massachusetts. The couple remained married for over five decades, and their letters to each other have become renowned for their insight into early American life.

5. The Boston Bruins Played Their First Game, 1924: Hockey fans in Massachusetts may be interested to know that the Boston Bruins played their first official game on December 26, 1924, against the Montreal Maroons. The Bruins lost 2-1, but went on to become one of the NHL's most successful franchises.