The world's tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
82
In the Ukraine, if you find a spider web in the house on Christmas morning, it is believed to be a harbinger of good luck! There once lived a woman so poor, says a Ukrainian folk tale, that she could not afford Christmas decorations for her family. One Ch
26
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
Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
33
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20
Christmas trees become popular in the UK from 1841 when Prince Albert erected a tree in Windsor Castle following a German tradition. Fir trees have been decorated at Christmas time in Germany since the 8th century.
20
Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
14
Black Friday in the UK is the Friday before Christmas. Instead of shopping, many people get very drunk!
10