Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.
196
There are 13 Santas in Iceland, each leaving a gift for children. They come down from the mountain one by one, starting on December 12 and have names like Spoon Licker, Door Sniffer and Meat Hook.
191
Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa for a winter promotion.
251
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 first Christmas card was designed in 1843 by J.C. Horsley.
38
Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
14
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
Black Friday in the UK is the Friday before Christmas. Instead of shopping, many people get very drunk!
10