Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
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The first Christmas card was designed in 1843 by J.C. Horsley.
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Many theologians estimate that Jesus wasn't born on December 25 but sometime in September between 6BC and 30AD.
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Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was invented for a US firm's Christmas promotion in 1938.
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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.
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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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One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho.
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Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
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