The abbreviation Xmas isn’t irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.

The origins of there being Three Wise Men aren’t clear. There’s certainly no mention of it in the bible – in the Gospel of Matthew it refers to just “wise men”.

US scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world’s presents on Christmas Eve, travelling at 650 miles a second.

The word “Carol” actually means dance or song of praise and joy, and they used to be sung during all four seasons, but the tradition of only singing them at Christmas is the only one to survive.