Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
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Frumenty was a spiced porridge, enjoyed by both rich and poor. It was a forerunner of modern Christmas puddings. It is linked in legend to the Celtic god Dagda, who stirred a porridge made up of all the good things of the earth.
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Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
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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
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One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho.
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'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
The world's tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
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Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.
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