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 world's tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
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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.
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The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
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Many theologians estimate that Jesus wasn't born on December 25 but sometime in September between 6BC and 30AD.
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Nearly 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe.
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Black Friday in the UK is the Friday before Christmas. Instead of shopping, many people get very drunk!
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One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho.
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