'Klaxon' is a name that does not belong to one of Santa's reindeer. A klaxon is actually a powerful electric horn. Its name comes from a German word meaning "shriek".
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Gold-wrapped chocolate coins commemorate St Nicholas who gave bags of gold coins to the poor.
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The abbreviation Xmas isn't irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.
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Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.
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The Queen's Christmas speech was first televised in 1957.
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The world's tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
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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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Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
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