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
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
In 1999, residents of the state of Maine in America built the world's biggest ever snowman. He stood at 113ft tall.
103
In Sweden, a common Christmas decoration is the Julbukk, a small figurine of a goat. It is usually made of straw. Scandinavian Christmas festivities feature a variety of straw decorations in the form of stars, angels, hearts and other shapes, as well as t
2
The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
273
Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
33
Black Friday in the UK is the Friday before Christmas. Instead of shopping, many people get very drunk!
10
Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa for a winter promotion.
251