WHEN our pagan ancestors danced round December bonfires, they weren't just trying to keep warm.

Instead, they were trying to drive the winter demons away so spring would arrive. And those ancient beliefs have left us with a huge legacy of Christmas superstitions.

We bring greenery into our homes, for instance, to symbolise fertility -- and mistletoe harks back to the sun-worshipping of Druid days.

The Yule Log, too, was supposed to bring long life to a household, burning right throughout the Christmas season -- and the bright red of holly berries tands for blood and the life force.

That's a lot of symbolism for one festival. But if you are superstitious, and you'd like to make sure you have good luck in the coming year, take a look at our quick guide:

Beds: If you've got children, you'll not spend much time tucked up on Christmas Eve! But look out -- if you have to get out on the left-hand side, turn your bed round -- that side is supposed to belong to the devil and give you a bad start to the day. That's why we say: 'got out of bed on the wrong side?' when someone is grumpy.

Blinds: Tie them up securely -- in some parts of Europe, a blind that falls suddenly is said to signify a death in the family.

Candles: A must at the Christmas table, but they do have their risks. Blowing them out with one breath brings good luck for the year -- but it's bad news if your puff's not enough! Accidentally knocking out a candle means a wedding is on the way.

Cats: Black cats were often believed to be witches' familiars, sly, full of evil and most definitely to be avoided. So if yours is curled up by the fire this Christmas Day, remember to save some of the turkey for her!

Chairs: If you can't stand any of your festive visitors, make sure they put their chairs back against the wall before leaving. This means they will never come back again.

Cobwebs: Have you been dusting them away before the Christmas guests arrive? You'll be sorry to know that if spiders have been at work in your kitchen, it shows there's no lovemaking in your house.

Decorations: Make sure you get them down by Twelfth Night, January 6, or mischievous spirits will plague your home.

Flowers: Fresh flowers are lucky, but only if they are in season; red roses in particular symbolise life. But Feng Shui experts hate our passion for dried flowers -- they say they block the life force.

Ivy: if it climbs your walls, encourage it -- it is supposed to protect your family from evil spirits. But if it's looking a bit poorly, bad luck with money is on the way.

Lights: It's said to be a bad idea to have three lights in a room; this superstition apparently comes from countries where only priests are allowed to light three candles at the altar without suffering the wrath of God.

Lights on the Christmas tree symbolise Christ, the Light of the World.

Towels: make sure you've plenty in the bathroom for guests. If two people dry their hands on a towel at the same time, they will certainly quarrel later in the day (probably over who gets the last helping of Christmas pud).

Wood: We touch wood for luck because of an ancient belief in woodland spirits; touching them brought their protection. Wooden floors are said to let the life force flow through your home uninterrupted.

Washing up: A major occupation at this time of year. A north American superstition says: 'Wash and wipe together, live in peace together.' Want to bet it was a woman with a lazy husband who thought of that one?

The Christmas tree was once brought in from outdoors to appease the spirits of the forest. Wonder what they make of our gold and silver versions today?