The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
273
Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
33
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20
US scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world's presents on Christmas Eve, travelling at 650 miles a second.
415
Many theologians estimate that Jesus wasn't born on December 25 but sometime in September between 6BC and 30AD.
42
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
113
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