As Christmas is very nearly here, we though we would share some fun festive trivia to keep you all entertained!

Toilet Brush Tree

Fake Christmas Trees date back to 1886, and were made in London from green raffia, which was more commonly used to make grass hula skirts. Other early versions were made from dyed goose feathers, and bristles more traditionally used to create toilet brushes!

Banana Christmas Trees

In the absence of the traditional fir tree, Christians in India celebrate by decorating banana and mango trees instead!

KFC for Christmas?

In Japan, KFC has become an important part of the Christmas tradition, with five to ten times the normal sales being made over the festive season!

Gifts in Shoes?

We're all familiar with the famous Christmas stocking, but in the Philippines, they have slightly different version on this tradition. Children leave their polished shoes and freshly washed socks on the window sill, for the Three Kings to leave presents in as they pass through the house at night.

This Nativity Stinks! 

In Catalonia, a figure called 'Caganer' is included in their nativity scenes, which displays the form of a defecating man!

Pick the Pickle

In the United States, families hide a pickle decoration somewhere on the Christmas tree, for family members to hunt out. The first person to find it is usually rewarded with a small gift, and is said to have good fortune for the following year. Although this tradition was originally thought to have originated in Germany, people now believe it to be wholly American Christmas idea.  

'Hark the Herald (silence)'

There is no mention of angels singing anywhere in the Bible, which means that your entire childhood nativity memories were all a lie!

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After yesterday's rather sombre post, we thought we would give you two things to cheer you all up in today's blog: food, and novelty aprons! We'll be sharing a few fun, festive recipes for you to try over the holiday season, based on the 'chef' stereotype you fit best!


Cookie Monster: The Dessert Expert 

If your cookies, crumbles and creme brulee all put Mary Berry to shame, then why not try making your own festive dessert this Christmas?

Why not try this Peppermint Bark Cheesecake from Cooking Classy, or these delicious Rolo Christmas Cookies from Living Locurto:                                     
                                            

The Impatient Cook  

If you're looking for something quick and easy to whip up in the kitchen, then why not try out these simple 3 Ingredient Candy Cane Lollipops from BBC Good Food, or these Pan Roasted Brussel Sprouts With Bacon if you're after something savoury.

Kitchen Hero 

If you're a bit of a wiz in the kitchen, you'll want to try something extra special this Christmas to wow your dinner guests.  Why not try out this incredible Roast Duck recipe from Jamie Oliver, or this incredible Chocolate Cake With Homemade Marshmallows for dessert! 

Batman (The Dark Knight) Adult Apron
(Buy Apron here)

Foodie Frankenstein

If you like to try something a little different in the kitchen, then what better time of year is there than Christmas to test out some new and interesting recipes?

If you're looking for some interesting combinations to have a crack at, then take a look at this Brussels Sprouts, Chilli and Thyme Jam, or these Pork and Cranberry Sausage Rolls, both from bakingmad.com.


Danger - Man Cooking (Apron and Hat Set)
(Buy Apron here)

Boozy Baker

For a flashy fish dish with an added kick, have a go at this Beetroot and Vodka-Cured Salmon from Woman and Home. If delicious bakes are more your speed, take a look at this fantastic Hazelnut Liquor pastry dish from Half Baked Harvest.

6 Pack Apron
(Buy Apron here)