The word Christmas originates from the words Christ's Mass. In old English it was referred to as Cristesmæsse, which literally means 'Christian Mass'.
A common figure known throughout the world and associated with Christmas is Santa Claus. Other popular Christmas figures include Christkind, Saint Nicholas, and Father Christmas.
Anglo-Saxons referred to the holiday as 'midwinter' or 'nativity'.
The word Noel entered the English language in the late 1300s. It originated from the Latin word 'natalis' which means 'day of birth'.
Christmas decorations that are popular today include Christmas trees, Christmas lights, wreaths, garland, holly, mistletoe, and nativity scenes.
Christmas lights were invented in 1882 by Edward Johnson.
The first evidence of a Christmas tree is from a pamphlet that dates back to 1570.
In order for Santa to visit all the homes on Christmas Eve he would have to visit 822 homes each second.
The tradition of hanging stockings comes from a Dutch custom. They would leave shoes full of food for St. Nicolas' donkeys and St. Nicholas would then leave small gifts in return.
12th century nuns left socks full of nuts, fruit and tangerines at the doors of the poor. This is where the tradition of putting tangerines in stockings came from.