Christmas trees become popular in the UK from 1841 when Prince Albert erected a tree in Windsor Castle following a German tradition. Fir trees have been decorated at Christmas time in Germany since the 8th century.
20
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
The Christmas tree displayed in Trafalgar square in London is an annual gift to the UK from Norway since 1947. The Norwegian spruce given is a token of appreciation of British friendship during World War II from the Norwegian people.
35
Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
33
The sun sets on 24 December at 3.55pm in the UK, and rises the following morning at 8.05am.
81
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
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