Christmas trees become popular in the UK from 1841 when Prince Albert erected a tree in Windsor Castle following a German tradition. Fir trees have been decorated at Christmas time in Germany since the 8th century.
20
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 first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
28
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.
26
One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho.
122
Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
14
The tradition of putting tangerines in stockings comes from 12th-century French nuns who left socks full of fruit, nuts and tangerines at the houses of the poor.
42
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20