It is Christmas party season and in case the conversation runs dry, we have ten facts and traditions to fill in awkward silences.
1. In Japan KFC is such a popular meal on Christmas day it is not uncommon to be required to make a reservation.
2. The song Jingle Bells was written for American holiday Thanksgiving and originally called One Horse Open Sleigh.
3. More of an anti fact, Father Christmas was not created by Coca-Cola nor was his red suit. Unfortunately it is just an urban legend.
4. Male reindeers lose their antlers in winter, so the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh are probably female, even with names like Rudolph.
5. In Greece and many other countries Christmas is celebrated according to the Julian Calendar on January 7th.
6. Oliver Cromwell made it illegal to eat mince pies on Christmas Day and the law was never repealed. So if you do fancy one make sure to keep your curtains closed and not invite any police around for lunch.
7. The tallest Christmas tree ever cut was 221 foot and displayed in the Northgate Shopping Center in Seattle, Washington in 1950.
8. According to Polish legend a spider wove a blanket for the baby Jesus. It is not uncommon to see spiders webs on Polish Christmas trees.
9. Donner and Blitzen were originally called Dunder and Blixem.
10. This is our favourite; in Alpine countries Father Christmas’ evil twin punishes bad children by hitting them with a stick.
