Each day, I will state the number of days left untill christmas (not including christmas day itself or the current day) and give a fact about christmas.

Feel free to contribute your own facts, or pictures, or jokes, or any christmas related material.

Days to go untill christmas: 24[b]

Todays Facts: The word Christmas is derived from Middle English word Christemasse, meaning "Christ's mass".

Christmas is sometimes shortened to Xmas not because the 'X' stands for 'criss' but because 'X' is the roman and greek symbol for christ.

Days to go untill christmas: 23

Today's fact:

Some believe that Christmas has its origins in pre-existing pagan holidays. The celebration known as Saturnalia included the making and giving of small presents. This holiday was observed over a series of days beginning on December 17 (the birthday of Saturn) and ending on December 23. The combined festivals resulted in an extended winter holiday season. Business was postponed and even slaves feasted. There was drinking, gambling, and singing, and nudity was relatively common. It was the "best of days," according to the poet Catullus.

What happened to the nudity??

*votes for nudity*

Where's the chocolate?

Days til christmas: 22

Todays fact: Be nice to others. It pays off.

Days til christmas: 21

Todays fact: The Puritans of New England disapproved of Christmas and celebration was outlawed in Boston (1659-81). Meanwhile, Virginia and New York celebrated freely.