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
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20
Many theologians estimate that Jesus wasn't born on December 25 but sometime in September between 6BC and 30AD.
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
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
The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
28
The Queen's Christmas speech was first televised in 1957.
18