The word Christmas comes from Cristes maesse, or "Christ's Mass." There is no set date for his birth in scripture and it wasn't celebrated on any particular day. However Christmas was first celebrated on the 25th of December in Rome in 336AD with an aim t
16
Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
33
The poinsettia is a traditional Christmas flower. In Mexico (its original birthplace), the poinsettia is known as the "Flower of the Holy Night".
15
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
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
113
Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
62