Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
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The first Christmas card was designed in 1843 by J.C. Horsley.
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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".
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Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
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Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
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7.6 million Christmas trees are sold each year.
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Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.
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The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
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