The poinsettia is a traditional Christmas flower. In Mexico (its original birthplace), the poinsettia is known as the "Flower of the Holy Night".
15
Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
33
The first Christmas card was designed in 1843 by J.C. Horsley.
38
The tradition of putting tangerines in stockings comes from 12th-century French nuns who left socks full of fruit, nuts and tangerines at the houses of the poor.
42
Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.
196
The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
28
Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
14
Many theologians estimate that Jesus wasn't born on December 25 but sometime in September between 6BC and 30AD.
42