The world's tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
82
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
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
Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
62
Nearly 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe.
74
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20
The first Christmas card was designed in 1843 by J.C. Horsley.
38
The Queen's Christmas speech was first televised in 1957.
18