Christmas Facts

Hanging Stockings

We all enjoy hanging our stockings by the chimney or at the end of our beds, waiting for Santa to drop us a little treat, but do you know this trend was actually started accidentally? It came from a poor man who couldn't afford to pay for his three daughter's marriages. They hung their stockings up by the fire, and when St Nick dropped a bag of gold down their chimney, it landed directly in their stockings, and the tradition has stuck with us all ever since! Check out these Christmas stockings to get you in the festive spirit.

Astronauts Play Christmas Songs

We've all pulled a practical joke or prank at some point, but none beats the one that two astronauts pulled back in 1965! Just 9 days before Christmas Day, two astronauts claimed to have seen a UFO (unidentified flying object) about to enter Earth. Just as it started getting a bit chaotic, the broadcast was interrupted by the playing of 'Jingle Bells'. Everyone sat back and enjoyed the harmonica and sleigh bells!

Christmas Decoration Accidents

It might shock you to learn that every year there are lots of accidents caused by people putting Christmas decorations up! It's actually estimated that around 15,000 people visit A&E in November and December from these types of incidents. Please, be careful when you're decorating this year. Don't let this put you off going to town on making your home as festive as possible, and you can get some inspiration from our Christmas decorations guide page!

Mistletoe Meaning

We all know mistletoe as being used in a sweet gesture around Christmas time, but its name may not make you feel warm and cosy inside! Mistle thrush birds help germinate the plant with its droppings. The German word literally translates to 'dung on a twig'. We think we'll stick to our tradition, thanks!

Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

Whether you're a local or an annual visitor, you're sure to know the stunning tree that sits in Trafalgar Square each year! What you might not know is it's actually a yearly gift that they receive. Every year since 1947, Norway has sent the tree to the UK to thank them for their support during World War II, and it gets decorated with plenty of twinkling fairy lights to make it glow! If you haven't seen it, make sure you pay it a visit this year. Why not go on a London Christmas market break and see all the sights and the festive markets of the city whilst you're there?

Christmas Dinner In Japan

We don't know about you, but we never get sick of our Christmas dinner every year, but if you're looking for a change, then you might want to consider visiting Japan this festive season! Over there, it's all about 3 letters and 3 letters only: KFC. The tradition in Japan is to eat KFC for their Christmas dinner. 'Christmas fried chicken' all started from a marketing campaign in 1974, and ever since, KFC has their highest volume of sales each year on Christmas Eve! Save your traditional Christmas dinner for another day, and dine an alternative way this year.

Christmas Pickle

You may not know, but in many countries, if you decorate your homes with pickles, you're known to get an extra present! In these countries they tend to hide an ornament in the shape of a pickle in the heart of the Christmas tree, and whichever lucky person finds it, will get an extra Christmas present. It's not actually known where this originated from, but excuse us while we go and get some festive pickles!

Finland's Sauna Tradition

Most homes in Finland tend to come with their own sauna, and at Christmas time, it becomes a sacred place associated with their dead ancestors. We don't know about you, but we wouldn't mind spending Christmas Day relaxing in the sauna! On Christmas Eve, it is tradition to sit naked for a long session in the sauna, and then head out in the evening for celebrations and raise a glass to those we've lost.

South Africa's Christmas Food

When you talk about Christmas food in this country, your mind tends to go to turkey, mince pies, stuffing, Christmas pudding and cranberry sauce, but in South Africa their delicacy is a little different. Local children can look forward to a plate of festive fried caterpillars! They're not the typical caterpillars you might find wandering around your garden, they've been covered in festive seasoning, and are said to give those who eat them extra luck for the upcoming year. We might give this tradition a miss and stick with the turkey...

Christmas Day In Australia

Christmas looks very different in Australia as compared to the UK! The festive season actually falls during their summer season, and so many families will celebrate with a lunchtime barbecue and spend the rest of the day at the beach. Even Santa is known to regularly ditch his sleigh and arrive on a surfboard instead to greet the children! A main tradition for the country is 'Carols by Candlelight' which takes place right across Australia. Groups of people come together to sing festive classics and other Christmas songs whilst holding candles! We don't know about you, but we like the sound of Christmas down under!