Christmas Facts

    Random Christmas Facts

    There are 44 Christmas Facts!

    The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
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    The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
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    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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    Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
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    One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho.
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    There are 13 Santas in Iceland, each leaving a gift for children. They come down from the mountain one by one, starting on December 12 and have names like Spoon Licker, Door Sniffer and Meat Hook.
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    Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
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    Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
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