Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
62
Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
14
The Queen's Christmas speech was first televised in 1957.
18
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
113
The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
28
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.
35
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
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
-19