The word Christmas comes from Cristes maesse, or "Christ's Mass." There is no set date for his birth in scripture and it wasn't celebrated on any particular day. However Christmas was first celebrated on the 25th of December in Rome in 336AD with an aim t
16
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.
36
Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.
196
The poinsettia is a traditional Christmas flower. In Mexico (its original birthplace), the poinsettia is known as the "Flower of the Holy Night".
15
The first Christmas card was designed in 1843 by J.C. Horsley.
38
One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho.
122
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
The world's tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
82