In Sweden, a common Christmas decoration is the Julbukk, a small figurine of a goat. It is usually made of straw. Scandinavian Christmas festivities feature a variety of straw decorations in the form of stars, angels, hearts and other shapes, as well as t
2
The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
273
Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
14
Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.
196
The twelve days of Christmas are the days between Christmas Day and Epiphany (6th of January) and represent the length of time it took for the wise men from the East to visit the manger of Jesus after his birth.
36
Nearly 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe.
74
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 tradition of putting tangerines in stockings comes from 12th-century French nuns who left socks full of fruit, nuts and tangerines at the houses of the poor.
42