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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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 first Christmas card was designed in 1843 by J.C. Horsley.
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Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
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Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa for a winter promotion.
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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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