In Greek legend, malicious creatures called Kallikantzaroi sometimes play troublesome pranks at Christmas time. In order to get rid of them, salt or an old shoe is burnt. The pungent burning stench drives off, or at least helps discourage, the Kallikantza
6
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20
The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
28
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
113
The sun sets on 24 December at 3.55pm in the UK, and rises the following morning at 8.05am.
81
The poinsettia is a traditional Christmas flower. In Mexico (its original birthplace), the poinsettia is known as the "Flower of the Holy Night".
15
The "Urn of Fate" is part of the Christmas celebrations in many Italian households. The Urn of Fate is brought out on Christmas Eve. It holds a wrapped present for everyone. The mother tries her luck first, then the others in turn. If you get a present wi
-19
'Klaxon' is a name that does not belong to one of Santa's reindeer. A klaxon is actually a powerful electric horn. Its name comes from a German word meaning "shriek".
3