The poinsettia is a traditional Christmas flower. In Mexico (its original birthplace), the poinsettia is known as the "Flower of the Holy Night".
15
In Greek legend, malicious creatures called Kallikantzaroi sometimes play troublesome pranks at Christmas time. In order to get rid of them, salt or an old shoe is burnt. The pungent burning stench drives off, or at least helps discourage, the Kallikantza
6
Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
33
The first Christmas card was designed in 1843 by J.C. Horsley.
38
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
The Queen's Christmas speech was first televised in 1957.
18
The world's tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
82