* In the Netherlands, Christmas presents are traditionally given on December 6, the feast day of Saint Nicholas, a 4th century bishop who used to give gifts of dowries to poor girls.

* In Denmark, Christmas dinner begins with rice pudding. The rice pudding has an almond in it and whoever gets the almond is assured of good luck throughout the New Year.

* A Christmas truce was arranged between British and German troops facing each other on the battlefields of Europe during World War I. The soldiers of the two sides exchanged gifts, sang Christmas carols and played football. The next day they started shooting at each other again.

* Santa Claus has developed a personally of his own and gives presents on December 25.