The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
273
The first Christmas card was designed in 1843 by J.C. Horsley.
38
Many theologians estimate that Jesus wasn't born on December 25 but sometime in September between 6BC and 30AD.
42
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
Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
33
The "Urn of Fate" is part of the Christmas celebrations in many Italian households. The Urn of Fate is brought out on Christmas Eve. It holds a wrapped present for everyone. The mother tries her luck first, then the others in turn. If you get a present wi
-19
Frumenty was a spiced porridge, enjoyed by both rich and poor. It was a forerunner of modern Christmas puddings. It is linked in legend to the Celtic god Dagda, who stirred a porridge made up of all the good things of the earth.
5
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
113