The sun sets on 24 December at 3.55pm in the UK, and rises the following morning at 8.05am.
81
The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
273
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 "Urn of Fate" is part of the Christmas celebrations in many Italian households. The Urn of Fate is brought out on Christmas Eve. It holds a wrapped present for everyone. The mother tries her luck first, then the others in turn. If you get a present wi
-19
One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho.
122
In many households, part of the fun of eating Christmas pudding is finding a trinket that predicts your fortune for the coming year. For instance, finding a coin means you will become wealthy. A ring means you will get married; while a button predicts bac
26
Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
14
The world's tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
82