The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
273
Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.
196
At Christmas, it is traditional to exchange kisses beneath the mistletoe tree. In ancient Scandinavia, mistletoe was associated with peace and friendship. That may account for the custom of "kissing beneath the mistletoe".
27
Santa Claus has many different names around the world including Father Christmas in the UK, Pere Noel in France, Kriss Kringle in Germany, La Befana in Italy, Julinesse in Denmark, Dedushka Moroz (meaning Grandfather Frost) in Russia and the Three Kings i
22
Many theologians estimate that Jesus wasn't born on December 25 but sometime in September between 6BC and 30AD.
42
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
113
Nearly 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe.
74