Popular belief holds that 3 wise men visited Bethlehem from the east bearing gifts. However there is no mention in the bible about the number of wise men who visited. Three gifts were brought - gold, frankincense and myrrh, but names commonly attributed t
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The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
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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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Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
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7.6 million Christmas trees are sold each year.
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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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The Queen's Christmas speech was first televised in 1957.
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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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