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Five Holiday Facts You Didn't Know

The holiday season is a truly magical time of year filled with exciting surprises and cherished traditions. While some holiday knowledge, like how to save on gifts and decorate in a snap, is essential for a stress free holiday season, other holiday knowledge takes the form of fun facts. Here are five facts about the holidays that you probably didn't know, which you can use to break the ice at your next coffee date or holiday party.

The symbols on the dreidel tell a story A dreidel is used for a fun game that is traditionally played during the Hanukkah season. The dreidel is spun by one player at a time, and whichever letter is facing up when it stops spinning determines the outcome of that turn. If you've played dreidel before, you probably know what each letter means in terms of winning or losing money, pieces of candy, or whatever you are using to bet with, but you may not know that the letters also refer to a story. "In Hebrew, the letters form the initials of the message, 'A great miracle happened there' (referring Hanukkah's everlasting oil)," according to Claire Suddath from Time.com. New Year's is a very old holiday Holidays change over time as cultures merge with one another and evolve, but New Year's celebrations go way back into human history. "The earliest known New Year celebrations were in Mesopotamia and date back to 2000 B.C.," according to CNN. "The early Romans used March 1 as New Year's Day. Other cultures used the autumn equinox or the winter solstice to mark the new year." There is a spectacular Hanukkah menorah tradition that began in Israel If you've lit Hanukkah candles either at your own home or at the home of a friend, then you know how spectacular the small flames can be, but in Israel, they take lighting the menorah to a whole new level. "Jews around the world light Hanukkah menorahs during Hanukkah, but in Israel the festival's flame takes an interesting path," states Randy James from Time.com. "Embracing a custom long associated with the Olympics, runners race a burning torch from the Israeli city of Modiin to Jerusalem, a distance of about 20 miles (32 km), where the chief rabbi lights a giant menorah at the Western Wall." The Christmas Story movie is more accurate than you may think Most holiday movies are so fun because they exaggerate the zany and fantastical things that make the holidays such a unique time of year. You probably realize that your snowman won't come to life and you aren't likely to bump into Buddy the Elf in New York City, but don't dismiss all holiday movies as fiction so quickly. One of the most famous scenes of the classic holiday movie The Christmas Story is when one of characters gets his tongue stuck on a metal pole outside. So you may wonder, can that actually happen? "Mythbusters tested whether it was possible to get your tongue truly stuck on a piece of cold metal. Guess what? It is. So don't triple dog dare your best friend to try it," states Stacy Conradt from mentalfloss.com. Christmas used to be banned in Boston There is a seldom remembered 22 years in Boston's history where celebrating Christmas wasn't allowed, and even saying "Merry Christmas" could incur a fine. "On May 11, 1659, Puritanical theocrats brought the hammer down on Christmas celebrations, enacting a political ban on the holiday and charging fines to Christmas sympathizers," states Erik van Rheenen from mentalfloss.com. Puritans sought the political ban to cut down on the rowdiness experienced during the holiday season, which could at times even turn violent. In 1681, the ban was lifted but Christmas celebrations didn't become popular again until the mid 1800s. Whatever you choose to celebrate, enjoy it.

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Employee Spotlight: Meet Kristoff Victor

Employee Spotlight: Meet Kristoff Victor

At Maritime Chevrolet, our team is made up of people who care about our customers and our community. This month, we are shining the spotlight on Kristoff Victor, one of our Sales Consultants whose energy, work ethic, and remarkable journey make him one of the most unique members of our team. Kristoff's path to the automotive industry is anything but conventional. Born in Haiti, he lived there until the age of 12 before relocating to New York, where he would spend the next several decades building a life full of varied and meaningful experiences. From running a cigar lounge to managing grocery stores, working his way up from car detailer to Detail Manager and Trainer, and eventually managing valet operations across three locations, Kristoff has always found a way to lead, grow, and connect with the people around him. In 2025, he made Connecticut home, and not long after, he found his way to Maritime Chevrolet. In just seven months with our team, he has already made a lasting impression. What Drives Him Ask Kristoff what he loves most about the automotive industry and his answer comes without hesitation: the people. "I love getting to know new people and building new relationships," he says. "I love the mystery of never knowing who you're going to meet next." That genuine curiosity about people is rooted in something deeper. Kristoff was raised by a single mother whose selflessness shaped the way he sees the world. "She put her needs before mine, not out of selfishness, but out of love and sacrifice," he reflects. "In doing so, she taught me that kindness is a choice we can make every day." That philosophy guides the way Kristoff approaches every customer interaction, every single day. Proud Moments at Maritime In his short time with the dealership, Kristoff has already collected some memorable milestones. A standout moment was helping a client purchase a Corvette they had worked 29 years to afford, a sale that meant far more than a transaction. He has also earned recognition as a top New Car Sales Consultant just months into the role, and of course, there was the beloved dealership tradition of getting his tie cut on his very first sale. He is also trilingual, something that allows him to connect with an even broader range of customers in a meaningful way. Outside the Showroom When Kristoff is not at Maritime Chevrolet, you can find him at home with his wife and their cats, making trips to New York to spend time with his mother, or working on his personal vehicles in Bridgeport. He is a car enthusiast through and through, and his dream ride? A C6 Corvette in red. Kristoff is not just building a career at Maritime Chevrolet. He is building a future. "I plan to be in the business for the rest of my life," he says. "I have my goals set already." We are grateful to have Kristoff on our team and cannot wait to see everything he accomplishes in the years ahead. If you have not had the chance to work with him yet, stop by Maritime Chevrolet and introduce yourself. We have a feeling you will be glad you did.

Why You Should Shop Certified Pre-Owned with CarBravo

Why You Should Shop Certified Pre-Owned with CarBravo

Buying a used car should feel exciting, not stressful. At Maritime Chevy, we’ve partnered with CarBravo to make it easy to shop, compare, and buy certified used vehicles from a wide selection of makes and models. Each listing includes a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report, photos, key features, and a full inspection report, so you can shop with total confidence. CarBravo is a different kind of used vehicle experience that combines the confidence of GM-backed certification, transparent pricing, and a level of support that goes well beyond the sale. Whether you are shopping online from your couch or walking our lot in person, CarBravo makes finding the right vehicle easier than ever. Every CarBravo vehicle must pass a thorough multi-point inspection before it is certified and offered for sale. Before any vehicle is listed or sold, GM requires dealers to complete all outstanding safety recalls, giving you added peace of mind from the very start. And every CarBravo vehicle comes backed by a 12-month/12,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty at no extra cost, helping protect key vehicle components long after you drive off the lot. Not sure it is the perfect fit? No problem. CarBravo gives you a 10-day or 500-mile exchange window, whichever comes first, so you can drive with confidence knowing that if something does not feel right, you have options. That kind of flexibility is rare in the used car world, and it speaks to the CarBravo commitment to putting buyers first. Every CarBravo vehicle comes with access to an impressive package of ongoing support, including access to more than 3,800 nationwide service centers, 24-hour roadside assistance, courtesy transportation, a one-month OnStar trial, and a three-month SiriusXM trial. Available BravoCare extended coverage and the GM Rewards program, which lets you earn points redeemable for service, maintenance, and more, round out an ownership experience that is truly built around you. CarBravo takes the guesswork out of used car shopping with a straightforward, customer-first approach. Shop online or in store, choose from an array of makes and models, enjoy transparent up-front pricing with no surprises, and get a free CARFAX Vehicle History Report on every vehicle. Easy sell and trade-in options mean you can take care of everything in one place. Ready to find your next vehicle the stress-free way? Stop by Maritime Chevrolet or browse our CarBravo inventory online today. Our team is here to help you find the right vehicle at the right price, with the confidence and support you deserve every mile of the way. Click here to shop our curated collection of certified vehicles today!

Fairfield Police Sunset 5K

Maritime Chevrolet was a Proud Sponsor the Fairfield Police Sunset 5K

Another successful 5k is in the books. The Fairfield Police Sunset 5K, held July 15th, brought together runners, walkers, families, and neighbors for a spectacular night at the beach in support of two outstanding causes. With over 1,000 participants taking on either the scenic 3.1-mile run or the .8-mile walk along Fairfield Beach Road and finishing at the beautiful Jennings Beach, the event was nothing short of a community celebration. T-shirts, food trucks, treats for the kids, and refreshments for adults of age made for a festive atmosphere that captured everything great about summertime in Fairfield. All proceeds from the event were donated to two incredibly worthy organizations: the Fairfield Police Union Scholarship Fund and the Fairfield Police Foundation. The Fairfield Police Union Scholarship Fund, established in 2014, awards scholarships to children of Fairfield Officers as well as students at Fairfield's public high schools and several area schools including Fairfield Prep, Notre Dame, Fairfield Ludlowe, and Fairfield Warde. Many of these scholarships are awarded in honor of the late Judge Dan Caruso, a meaningful tribute to a beloved member of the community. The Fairfield Police Foundation, founded in 2021, raises and distributes funds to the Fairfield Police Department for equipment, wellness programs, and training that fall outside the municipal budget. The foundation also provides critical support to the town's K-9 Unit, covering the care and costs of the dogs that serve alongside our officers every day. This year's event also featured the 2nd Annual Sock It to Summer Drive, a sock donation initiative benefiting Nourish Bridgeport, a community-powered nonprofit creating long-term solutions for food and resource insecurity in our area. Socks are the number one most requested item by shelters and community support programs, and the response from the Fairfield community was tremendous. Nourish Bridgeport does extraordinary work every single week, including distributing groceries and essentials to over 3,000 neighbors weekly, delivering hot meals and fresh produce to more than 250 people every Thursday, and operating Connecticut's first nonprofit indoor hydroponic farm, which grows fresh, pesticide-free produce to fight food deserts and supply schools and pantries across the region. Maritime Chevrolet is deeply grateful to be part of a community that shows up the way Fairfield does. Events like the Police Sunset 5K remind us why giving back is so important, and why supporting the men and women who protect our community, the students who represent its future, and the neighbors who need a helping hand is always worth celebrating. We look forward to supporting this event again next year and continuing to be an active part of the Fairfield community for many years to come! To learn more about the Fairfield Police Union Scholarship Fund, visit fpdcops.com/scholarship. To learn more about the Fairfield Police Foundation, visit fpdct.com/foundation.