soldiers' uniforms - until the Germans found out how to make it and put it on their Christmas trees.

Edward H. Johnson made Christmas lights for his boss, Thomas Edison, three after the invention of the electric light bulb in 1879. They caused a sensation when he displayed them in his New York apartment.

Early British Christians didn't want to be persecuted by the invading Roman forces at any time, and especially at Christmas.

They hung holly on their doors to make it look like they were taking part in the Roman festival of the time, in which holly was a significant part.

Holly has many different properties. In Germany, a piece that has been used in church decorations is regarded as a charm against lightning.

In the west of England, it is said that sprigs of holly spread around a young girl's bed on Christmas Eve will keep away mischievous goblins.

Holly on your bedpost is believed to bring you sweet dreams.

Christian lore says that holly berries were originally white but then turned red by Christ's blood when he was made to wear the crown of thorns at his crucifixion.

Mistletoe was revered by druids, priests of an ancient Celtic religion, and symbolises the magical power of the kiss.

The druids considered mistletoe as a remedy for evil, and they would cut pieces of the oak tree on which the mistletoe grew and offer them along with two white bulls as a sacrifice to the gods.

If you want to grow your own mistletoe, rub ripe mistletoe berries against the underside of a young, healthy tree branch at the end of February. But be warned - the plant is poisonous to trees, as its roots drain the tree of nutrients.

In Norse custom, it was said that men who met under mistletoe in battle would stop their fighting, kiss and make up.

Carole Holding has many lovely Christmas decoration in her Front Street store.