Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
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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.
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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
Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
14
The poinsettia is a traditional Christmas flower. In Mexico (its original birthplace), the poinsettia is known as the "Flower of the Holy Night".
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The Queen's Christmas speech was first televised in 1957.
18
The first Christmas card was designed in 1843 by J.C. Horsley.
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