The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
273
There are 13 Santas in Iceland, each leaving a gift for children. They come down from the mountain one by one, starting on December 12 and have names like Spoon Licker, Door Sniffer and Meat Hook.
191
Many theologians estimate that Jesus wasn't born on December 25 but sometime in September between 6BC and 30AD.
42
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20
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
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
113
Nearly 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe.
74