December 24th

1294: Pope Boniface VIII is elected Pope, replacing St. Celestine V, who had resigned due to a conflict of interest with his Christmas ornament business.


1906: Reginald Fessenden transmits the first radio broadcast; consisting of a poetry reading, a violin solo, and 75 Geico commercials.


1973: District of Columbia Home Rule Act is passed, allowing residents of Washington, D.C. to elect their own local government.... because there weren't enough government workers in D.C. already.