Christmas trees become popular in the UK from 1841 when Prince Albert erected a tree in Windsor Castle following a German tradition. Fir trees have been decorated at Christmas time in Germany since the 8th century.
20
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20
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
'Klaxon' is a name that does not belong to one of Santa's reindeer. A klaxon is actually a powerful electric horn. Its name comes from a German word meaning "shriek".
3
The poinsettia is a traditional Christmas flower. In Mexico (its original birthplace), the poinsettia is known as the "Flower of the Holy Night".
15
The world's tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
82
Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa for a winter promotion.
251
Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.
196