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.
5
The first Christmas card was designed in 1843 by J.C. Horsley.
38
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20
The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
28
The twelve days of Christmas are the days between Christmas Day and Epiphany (6th of January) and represent the length of time it took for the wise men from the East to visit the manger of Jesus after his birth.
36
In 1999, residents of the state of Maine in America built the world's biggest ever snowman. He stood at 113ft tall.
103
Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa for a winter promotion.
251
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
113