Nearly 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe.
74
The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
273
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.
5
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20
At Christmas, it is traditional to exchange kisses beneath the mistletoe tree. In ancient Scandinavia, mistletoe was associated with peace and friendship. That may account for the custom of "kissing beneath the mistletoe".
27
The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
28
English Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas between 1647 and 1660 because he believed such celebrations were immoral for the holiest day of the year.
26