Ever wondered about the history behind all your favourite Christmas figures?

Well look no further for answers!!

Santa Clause

The legend of Santa Clause derived from a Monk named St. Nicholas.

He was admired for his kindness and helping the poor and sick people.

The word Santa Clause derived from his Dutch name Sinter Klaas.

Nutcracker

In German traditions nutcrackers are a symbol of good luck.

It is believed that they protect and guard your home.

Folk tale recounts that a puppet-maker won a nut cracking challenge by creating a doll with a mouth for a lever to crack the nuts.

Decorative nutcrackers became popular in the USA after the Second World War, following the first US production of The Nutcracker ballet in 1940 and the exposure of US soldiers to the dolls during the war.

Christmas Trees

The evergreen tree was traditionally used in Europe as symbol of life in the midst of winter and was used in winter festivals over New Year. Christians see the Christmas tree as a symbol of Everlasting life with God.

Christmas Wreath

Some believe that initially wreaths were hung on doors in Ancient Rome to represent victory. In Christianity, the Christmas wreath was used to symbolize Christ. The circular shape, with no beginning or end, represents eternity or life never ending.

Snow Globes

Snow Globes was invented in 1900 by “accident” by Erwin Perzy

He tried to make a lightbulb shine brighter by putting water and white flakes in the globe to make it reflect more light.

With this he got the idea of a snow globe.

Christmas Stockings

Folklore tells the story of a nobleman whose wife had died, leaving him penniless with three daughters. On Christmas, Saint Nichola s came to their home and saw the girls' stockings hanging to dry above the fireplace. He then filled them with gold.