Many theologians estimate that Jesus wasn't born on December 25 but sometime in September between 6BC and 30AD.
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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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7.6 million Christmas trees are sold each year.
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The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
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The sun sets on 24 December at 3.55pm in the UK, and rises the following morning at 8.05am.
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Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.
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Frumenty was a spiced porridge, enjoyed by both rich and poor. It was a forerunner of modern Christmas puddings. It is linked in legend to the Celtic god Dagda, who stirred a porridge made up of all the good things of the earth.
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