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 abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
273
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
One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho.
122
Nearly 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe.
74
In 1999, residents of the state of Maine in America built the world's biggest ever snowman. He stood at 113ft tall.
103
Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa for a winter promotion.
251