There are some great pagan ideas, first-rate medieval treats, but then there is a huge gap in festivities - a Christmas-free zone until the middle of the 20th century - until it all came back into fashion. Here we take a look at some Christmas traditions and their origins.
. Mistletoe
When druids and pagans inhabited Scotland they took greenery into the house, as a symbol of life in the dark nights of midwinter. Mistletoe, revered by the druids for its fertility properties, was cut from the sacred oak tree.
. Yule log
To banish the dark, the pagans brought fire into the house. At some point this time of year became known as Yule and during the festival a Yule log was gathered.
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Ian Baird challenges for the ball at Leeds Road. A John Sheridan strike earned the Whites a point.
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Andy Ritchie celebrates after scoring against the Royals. The other United goalscorers that day were John Buckley and Keith Edwards.