In one of the most-watched TV moments history, singer Tiny Tim marries Miss Vickie on The Tonight Show. The couple would have one daughter, Tulip, named for her father's trademark song, "Tiptoe Through the Tulips."

Bah Humbug! Charles Dickens' classic, "A Christmas Carol," is published. The story is an instant success, selling 6,000 copies in a week, and it introduces the world to Ebenezer Scrooge, the ghost of Christmas past and Tiny Tim.

22-year-old Elvis Presley receives his draft notice for a two-year term in the Army while spending the holidays at his new mansion, Graceland. The young icon had already risen to the top of the charts with "Heartbreak Hotel," "Don't Be Cruel" and "Hound Dog." He's sent to Germany, where he meets future wife, 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu.

Trailing 7-6 and facing 4th and 10 with 22 seconds left and no time-outs, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw heaves a pass downfield. Fullback John Fuqua is hit as he's catching the ball, sending it into the air and eventually into the hands of running back Franco Harris. He scoops the ball before it hits the ground and heads toward the end zone. With the Immaculate Reception, Pittsburgh wins its first playoff game in its 40-year history.