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
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Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
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Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
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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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In 1999, residents of the state of Maine in America built the world's biggest ever snowman. He stood at 113ft tall.
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Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
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The world's tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
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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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