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
The first Christmas card was designed in 1843 by J.C. Horsley.
38
7.6 million Christmas trees are sold each year.
100
The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
273
Many theologians estimate that Jesus wasn't born on December 25 but sometime in September between 6BC and 30AD.
42
US scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world's presents on Christmas Eve, travelling at 650 miles a second.
415
One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho.
122