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 sun sets on 24 December at 3.55pm in the UK, and rises the following morning at 8.05am.
81
'Klaxon' is a name that does not belong to one of Santa's reindeer. A klaxon is actually a powerful electric horn. Its name comes from a German word meaning "shriek".
3
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20
The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
28
Christmas trees become popular in the UK from 1841 when Prince Albert erected a tree in Windsor Castle following a German tradition. Fir trees have been decorated at Christmas time in Germany since the 8th century.
20
The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
273
The Queen's Christmas speech was first televised in 1957.
18