The Queen's Christmas speech was first televised in 1957.
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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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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 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.
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One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho.
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Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa for a winter promotion.
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Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
14
In 1999, residents of the state of Maine in America built the world's biggest ever snowman. He stood at 113ft tall.
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