The sun sets on 24 December at 3.55pm in the UK, and rises the following morning at 8.05am.
81
English Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas between 1647 and 1660 because he believed such celebrations were immoral for the holiest day of the year.
26
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20
Black Friday in the UK is the Friday before Christmas. Instead of shopping, many people get very drunk!
10
Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
14
Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa for a winter promotion.
251
At Christmas, it is traditional to exchange kisses beneath the mistletoe tree. In ancient Scandinavia, mistletoe was associated with peace and friendship. That may account for the custom of "kissing beneath the mistletoe".
27