The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
273
In Greek legend, malicious creatures called Kallikantzaroi sometimes play troublesome pranks at Christmas time. In order to get rid of them, salt or an old shoe is burnt. The pungent burning stench drives off, or at least helps discourage, the Kallikantza
6
In Sweden, a common Christmas decoration is the Julbukk, a small figurine of a goat. It is usually made of straw. Scandinavian Christmas festivities feature a variety of straw decorations in the form of stars, angels, hearts and other shapes, as well as t
2
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20
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
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
113
The sun sets on 24 December at 3.55pm in the UK, and rises the following morning at 8.05am.
81
The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
28