Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Dec. 24, according to the Tribune’s archives.

Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created in Chicago by Montgomery Ward copywriter Robert L. May to sell toys in 1939. Here’s how the popular Christmas character — and its author — went down in history.

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

High temperature: 64 degrees (1889)
Low temperature: Minus 25 degrees (1983)
Precipitation: 2.61 inches (1965)
Snowfall: 7.1 inches (1918)

Flashback: Chicago’s first Christmas tree in 1913 came from a novel idea: Why not display a giant tree for everyone to celebrate?

1913: More than 100,000 people gathered in Grant Park to see the unveiling of Chicago’s first municipal Christmas tree.

Thomas Henry, the general contractor, from left, Cardinal Cody, C.F. Murphy Jr., architect, and the Rev. Timothy J. Lyne, rector, view the blueprints for the $2 million dollar reconstruction project in Holy Name Cathedral on Nov. 26, 1968. The work was expected to be finished the following year. (William Yates/Chicago Tribune)Thomas Henry, the general contractor, from left, Cardinal Cody, C.F. Murphy Jr., architect, and the Rev. Timothy J. Lyne, rector, view the blueprints for the $2 million dollar reconstruction project in Holy Name Cathedral on Nov. 26, 1968. The work was expected to be finished the following year. (William Yates/Chicago Tribune)

1969: Holy Name Cathedral welcomed 1,500 parishioners back for midnight Mass on Christmas Eve after an extensive renovation.

Vintage Chicago Tribune: Holy Name Cathedral’s 150th anniversary

In early 1967, Cardinal John Cody had unveiled a $250 million, 10-year plan called “Project: Renewal.” In addition to installing new heating and air conditioning systems, weakened wooden beams would be replaced with steel ones to firm up the building’s infrastructure. In response to Second Vatican Council updates, the altar’s placement was also adjusted so clergy would face the congregation while celebrating Mass. The cathedral closed the Monday after Easter in 1968 so work could begin.

Shortly after a Northwest Orient Airlines plane took off from Minneapolis on Dec. 24, 1971, it was hijacked by Everett Leary Holt, 25, who demanded $300,000, two parachutes and a landing at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport for refueling. Holt surrendered and all 33 people passengers and crew survived. (Chicago Tribune)Shortly after a Northwest Orient Airlines plane took off from Minneapolis on Dec. 24, 1971, it was hijacked by Everett Leary Holt, 25, who demanded $300,000, two parachutes and a landing at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport for refueling. Holt surrendered and all 33 people passengers and crew survived. (Chicago Tribune)

1971: Armed with a handgun and seven sticks of dynamite, Everett Leary Holt hijacked Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 734 from Minneapolis to Chicago. After a five-hour standoff at O’Hare International Airport, Holt surrendered.

The Chicago Bears have played 9 times on Christmas Eve and twice on Christmas Day. Here’s how they’ve done since 1989.

1989: Chicago Bears defensive end and future Hall of Famer Richard Dent sacked San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana to become the franchise’s all-time sacks leader in a game the Bears lost 26-0. Dent’s 124.5 sacks remains a team record.

Chicago Bears rookie Kevin Butler (6) is congratulated by tackle Keith Van Horne after kicking a field goal against Tampa Bay, on Oct. 6, 1985. (Charles Cherney/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Bears rookie Kevin Butler (6) is congratulated by tackle Keith Van Horne after kicking a field goal against Tampa Bay, on Oct. 6, 1985. (Charles Cherney/Chicago Tribune)

1994: Bears kicker Kevin Butler became the first Bear and only the 22nd NFL player to score 1,000 points, with his 44-yard field goal during the first quarter of a 13-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Two other tries, however, failed. A 38-yard attempt was blocked in the third quarter and a 36-yard try later sailed wide left.

‘Tis the season … to fire Bulls coaches? A look at the franchise’s tradition of making big changes around the holidays.

2001: Tim Floyd resigned as Chicago Bulls coach.

Floyd, the 13th coach of the Bulls franchise, was an abysmal 49-190 in Chicago, including a 15-67 showing in the 2000-01 season.

But rather than make a decision on Floyd during the offseason when transactions are often expected, the Bulls brought Floyd back. He resigned on Christmas Eve. At the time, Floyd said the decision to resign was his own, yet general manager Jerry Krause’s name was left off the list when he thanked members of the franchise.

Chicago Bulls coach Scott Skiles in the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on Nov. 27, 2007. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Bulls coach Scott Skiles in the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on Nov. 27, 2007. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune)

2007: Bulls coach Scott Skiles was fired.

Unlike Floyd and Bill Cartwright, Skilles experienced success and reached the playoffs in each of his three full seasons. Skiles’ team registered the first playoff win since the Jordan dynasty ended in 1998, reinvigorating a franchise and fan base that had lay dormant for years.

Led by a young Ben Gordon and Luol Deng, the Bulls became a franchise on the rise with Skiles at the helm. None of that mattered when they started the 2007-08 season with a 9-16 record. Skiles was summoned to Paxson’s office and relieved of his duties just before his team was set to start a Christmas Eve practice.

Want more vintage Chicago?

Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago’s past.

Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather at krumore@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com