Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
33
The poinsettia is a traditional Christmas flower. In Mexico (its original birthplace), the poinsettia is known as the "Flower of the Holy Night".
15
One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho.
122
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
6
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
The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
28
Nearly 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe.
74
Black Friday in the UK is the Friday before Christmas. Instead of shopping, many people get very drunk!
10