The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
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Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.
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Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
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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.
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The twelve days of Christmas are the days between Christmas Day and Epiphany (6th of January) and represent the length of time it took for the wise men from the East to visit the manger of Jesus after his birth.
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Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa for a winter promotion.
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Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
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One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho.
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