The Christmas tree displayed in Trafalgar square in London is an annual gift to the UK from Norway since 1947. The Norwegian spruce given is a token of appreciation of British friendship during World War II from the Norwegian people.
35
Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
33
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
113
Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
14
One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho.
122
Frumenty was a spiced porridge, enjoyed by both rich and poor. It was a forerunner of modern Christmas puddings. It is linked in legend to the Celtic god Dagda, who stirred a porridge made up of all the good things of the earth.
5
At Christmas, it is traditional to exchange kisses beneath the mistletoe tree. In ancient Scandinavia, mistletoe was associated with peace and friendship. That may account for the custom of "kissing beneath the mistletoe".
27
Many theologians estimate that Jesus wasn't born on December 25 but sometime in September between 6BC and 30AD.
42