The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
273
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
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
113
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
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20
The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
28
The definition of a white Christmas in the UK is for a single snow flake (perhaps amongst a shower of mixed rain and snow) to be observed falling in the 24 hours of December 25th.
32
Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.
196