Webster’s dictionary reported Xmas was commonly used by the middle of the 16th century. In 1898, Canada issued a postage stamp with the word Xmas on it.

Mala beads have been around for thousands of years, created in India over 3,000 years ago. They are rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism and are meant to help you focus your mind during meditation.

It fits neatly on shop sale signs and in headlines but the word 'Xmas' has a tendency to get people riled. "But of course it also saved space and in a gospel manuscript the word Christ would appear ...