Black Friday in the UK is the Friday before Christmas. Instead of shopping, many people get very drunk!
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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
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The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
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The Christmas tree displayed in Trafalgar square in London is an annual gift to the UK from Norway since 1947. The Norwegian spruce given is a token of appreciation of British friendship during World War II from the Norwegian people.
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Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
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The poinsettia is a traditional Christmas flower. In Mexico (its original birthplace), the poinsettia is known as the "Flower of the Holy Night".
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Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
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The Queen's Christmas speech was first televised in 1957.
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