Christmas is perhaps the most precious time of the year for many families. To some, Christmas is not just about opening presents and singing carols. Some families use Christmas as a family reunion of sorts—a way to catch up on the lives of their loved ones and share stories from the past. It is truly a cherished tradition for families and loved ones to get together on this holiday. We may think we know all there is to know about Christmas and its traditions, but there is actually quite a bit that many people don’t know about this loved holiday.

Here are a few trivia tidbits to share with your family and friends when you gather around the fireplace or Christmas tree this Holiday Season.

The concept of a gift-giving Santa, or Saint Nick, possibly comes from the fact that the real Saint Nick (Saint Nicholas) was known for being extremely friendly and cheerful towards children.

Certain priests in Australia denounce the statement “Merry Christmas.” They prefer “Happy Christmas” instead; the word “merry” often refers to being drunk and therefore, is frowned upon during Christmas celebrations.

Holly wreathes are for more than just decoration. They are traditionally been hung on doors and entryways as a representation of long life to those that enter.

In England, it is believed that placing holly sprigs around a girl’s head on Christmas Eve will keep her out of mischief the following year.

The string on boxes of Barnum’s Animal Crackers was originally placed there so that the boxes could be hung on Christmas trees.

Nowhere in biblical accounts of the birth of Christ is there a mention on only three wise men. As the story was passed down to children through countless generations, the number three was given to give more scope to the story.

The term “Xmas” is more than just a shorter way to say Christmas. Some believe that it is a reference to the Greek work “Xristos”, which translates to Christ.

Before electricity was invented, many people decorated their Christmas trees with candles. Due to the many fires this caused, families kept a bucket of water near the tree at all times.

Three years after Thomas Edison successfully invented the light bulb, employees of his company had Christmas tree bulbs made for him. It is strongly believed this is where the tradition of Christmas tree lights was born.