Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
33
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
113
The Queen's Christmas speech was first televised in 1957.
18
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
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
Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
14