The first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria in 1937.
28
Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.
196
English Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas between 1647 and 1660 because he believed such celebrations were immoral for the holiest day of the year.
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
Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
20
The twelve days of Christmas are the days between Christmas Day and Epiphany (6th of January) and represent the length of time it took for the wise men from the East to visit the manger of Jesus after his birth.
36
The world's tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
82

