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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Black Friday in the UK is the Friday before Christmas. Instead of shopping, many people get very drunk!
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There are 13 Santas in Iceland, each leaving a gift for children. They come down from the mountain one by one, starting on December 12 and have names like Spoon Licker, Door Sniffer and Meat Hook.
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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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The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
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The poinsettia is a traditional Christmas flower. In Mexico (its original birthplace), the poinsettia is known as the "Flower of the Holy Night".
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The first Christmas card was designed in 1843 by J.C. Horsley.
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Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
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