Christmas facts

As the festive season is upon us once again, take a look at these Christmas facts…

Did you know..?

• Bethlehem is not only a town in Israel, but is also located along the banks of Afon Tywi in Carmarthenshire, Wales

• Bread that is baked on Christmas Eve will never go mouldy (according to an old wives tale)

• Christmas Pudding was originally a type of soup with fruit in it

• In the festive song, ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’, there are 364 gifts

• Italian children are brought gifts by a friendly witch, as well as Santa Claus

• The average person in Britain sends 50 Christmas cards

• Christmas themed place names around the UK include Christmas Common (Oxfordshire), Holly Green (Buckinghamshire), Turkey Island (West Sussex) and Cranberry (Staffordshire)

• The Queen's Christmas speech was first shown on television in 1957

• In the 19th century people still received Christmas cards through the post on Christmas morning

• In 1649 Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas festivities and declared 25th December to be a normal working day

In this section ...

Festive waterside visitors »

The towpaths and river banks are full of exciting nature and wildlife throughout the year, but Christmas time brings some unique visitors of its own. Take a walk and see what you can spot... More »