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
7.6 million Christmas trees are sold each year.
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Many theologians estimate that Jesus wasn't born on December 25 but sometime in September between 6BC and 30AD.
42
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
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20
Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa for a winter promotion.
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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.
5
The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
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