Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.
196
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
The world's tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
82
Santa Claus has many different names around the world including Father Christmas in the UK, Pere Noel in France, Kriss Kringle in Germany, La Befana in Italy, Julinesse in Denmark, Dedushka Moroz (meaning Grandfather Frost) in Russia and the Three Kings i
22
The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
28
Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa for a winter promotion.
251
Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
62
Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
14