Ten quirky Christmas facts you never knew you needed

Christmas is a time of joy, warmth, and cherished traditions – but have you ever wondered how some of our festive customs came to be? From decorated trees to pantomime shout-outs, the story of Christmas is filled with quirky facts and unexpected origins. Whether it’s a Victorian invention, a touch of folklore, or a snowy scene brought to life by a famous author, these snippets will make you see the holiday season in a whole new light…

Christmas Trees:

Germany’s Gift to the UK

Believe it or not, the Christmas tree wasn’t always part of a British Christmas. In fact, it was a German export, and it was Queen Victoria’s German-born husband, Prince Albert, who first put one up at Windsor Castle in the 1840s. Soon, trees festooned with candles, tinsel, and baubles were popping up in living rooms across the country. Now, almost two centuries later, we’re still at it – decking our halls and wrestling with fairy lights every December!

Those “12 Days of Christmas” Start… After Christmas!

No, the “12 Days of Christmas” don’t lead up to Christmas Day, as we tend to think. They actually start on Christmas Day and last until 5th January, Twelfth Night. In years gone by, this period was full of feasting, theatre, and merrymaking – basically one long party to ring in the New Year. Some areas in the UK still celebrate Twelfth Night with plays and community gatherings, keeping the spirit of the season alive just a little longer.

The First Christmas Card

Was a Postal Promotion

In 1843, British civil servant Sir Henry Cole needed a clever way to encourage people to use the new postal service. So, he hired his artist friend, John Callcott Horsley, to design a festive card showing a family celebrating around a table. The result? The world’s very first Christmas card – and the start of a tradition that now sees billions of cards sent every year. Thanks, Sir Henry!

Stockings by the Fire?

Thank, Saint Nick

Hanging stockings by the fire has its roots in a sweet little legend about Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop. According to the tale, Saint Nick heard about a poor man who had no money for his daughters’ dowries. In the dead of night, the kind-hearted saint dropped gold coins down the chimney, which happened to land in the daughters’ stockings that were drying by the fire. And voilà, a Christmas tradition was born!

Boxing Day:

Not Just for the Shops

While we now associate Boxing Day with shopping and football, its origins lie in an old custom where wealthy households would “box up” gifts or money for their servants, who’d worked on Christmas Day. Boxing Day was a chance for them to celebrate with their own families, and the spirit of charitable giving has lingered ever since. So if you’re feeling extra generous on the 26th, you know why!

Dreaming of a White Christmas? Thank Dickens

The whole idea of a snow-covered Christmas is largely thanks to Charles Dickens. When he wrote A Christmas Carol in 1843, Britain had just seen a few unusually snowy winters, which gave the holiday that quintessential snowy vibe. It stuck, and now, despite the UK’s often-mild December weather, we all picture Christmas with a dusting of snow. Cheers to you, Dickens!

Pantomime: The UK’s Christmas Comedy

Ah, the pantomime – a British Christmas staple! With slapstick humour, audience shout-outs, and a dash of ridiculousness, pantos are pure family fun. They stem from the Italian commedia dell’arte tradition, but have evolved into the classic tales we know and love, like Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk. And of course, no panto is complete without a loud “Oh no it isn’t!” from the crowd. It’s not Christmas without one!

Christmas Crackers:

A British Bang

Christmas crackers, those little paper-wrapped surprises that explode with a bang, were invented by London confectioner Tom Smith in the 1840s. He wanted to add a spark to his sweet-filled bonbons, so he added a small explosive snap. The tradition caught on, and now no Christmas dinner is complete without a crown on your head, a terrible joke, and a tiny toy that’ll inevitably get lost by New Year’s.

The Royal Christmas Message: A Tradition Since 1932

The Christmas Day speech is a time-honoured tradition that started with King George V in 1932. Today, millions gather round the telly to listen to the King (or Queen) reflect on the year’s events and offer good wishes for the festive season. It’s a rare moment of shared reflection that’s as much a part of Christmas Day as the turkey and mince pies.

Mince Pies: Sweet Treats with Savoury Roots

Though mince pies are sweet today, they originally featured meat – yes, really! The earliest versions contained mutton or beef alongside fruit and spices. Over time, the meat got the boot, leaving behind the fruity, spiced pies we know today. In the UK, it’s good luck to eat one on each of the 12 days of Christmas – so stock up!