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
US scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world's presents on Christmas Eve, travelling at 650 miles a second.
415
One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho.
122
The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
28
Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
62
The world's tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
82
In many households, part of the fun of eating Christmas pudding is finding a trinket that predicts your fortune for the coming year. For instance, finding a coin means you will become wealthy. A ring means you will get married; while a button predicts bac
26
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20