There are countless folklore traditions associated with Christmas, many involving our flora.

Mistletoe is a symbol of ancient times was considered so sacred that it had to be cut with a golden sickle. Nowadays of course no doorway or strategic location is without a sprig and office parties are a favourite spot!

Evergreens such as holly were thought to provide refuge for woodland spirits when all other trees were bare and offered no hiding place.

The use of holly dates back to Roman Saturnalia, celebrated in December.

The bush was associated with eternity and had power to ward off evil,so it began to appear as a Christmas decoration. An old wives' tale declared that a bountiful crop of holly berries warned of a hard winter ahead but in reality, the abundance of fruit is the result of a favourable growing season in summer.

Another decoration ivy, was hung in doorways and fireplaces in the belief that as goblins are at their most troublesome in winter, a bunch would deter their mischievous actions.

Another early tradition refers to the Norse yule sunworship festival when yule logs and candles symbolised fire and light.

Northern Europeans lit their Christmas trees with candles. Prince Albert is usually credited with having introduced the tree to England but there is a hint that one was actually erected in a London street in the 15th Century.

So, here's wishing everyone a berry merry Christmas.