Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.
14
The tradition of putting tangerines in stockings comes from 12th-century French nuns who left socks full of fruit, nuts and tangerines at the houses of the poor.
42
Carols began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.
33
Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
62
Nearly 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe.
74
Black Friday in the UK is the Friday before Christmas. Instead of shopping, many people get very drunk!
10
The "Urn of Fate" is part of the Christmas celebrations in many Italian households. The Urn of Fate is brought out on Christmas Eve. It holds a wrapped present for everyone. The mother tries her luck first, then the others in turn. If you get a present wi
-19
The Christmas tree displayed in Trafalgar square in London is an annual gift to the UK from Norway since 1947. The Norwegian spruce given is a token of appreciation of British friendship during World War II from the Norwegian people.
35