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
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The sun sets on 24 December at 3.55pm in the UK, and rises the following morning at 8.05am.
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Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa for a winter promotion.
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7.6 million Christmas trees are sold each year.
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Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
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Nearly 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe.
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One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho.
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