The Queen's Christmas speech was first televised in 1957.
18
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
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
Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
33
Many theologians estimate that Jesus wasn't born on December 25 but sometime in September between 6BC and 30AD.
42
Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
62
Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa for a winter promotion.
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