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
6
The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
273
The first Christmas card was designed in 1843 by J.C. Horsley.
38
Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
62
The 26th of December is traditionally known as St Stephen's Day, but is more commonly known as Boxing Day. The reason it was called this is either alms boxes in church were opened and the money distributed to the poor, or alternatively it was named from t
-1
Black Friday in the UK is the Friday before Christmas. Instead of shopping, many people get very drunk!
10
Nearly 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe.
74
