Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
33
Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.
196
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
Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
14
The first Christmas card was designed in 1843 by J.C. Horsley.
38
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20