The Little Book of Christmas

Christmas is a favourite time of year for many, filled with gifts, food, drink, and time with loved ones. But where did it all begin?

While many of today’s traditions are only a few centuries old – with Father Christmas in red and white being even newer – winter celebrations have existed for thousands of years. Though now marking the birth of Jesus, December 25 was once the Roman winter solstice, and many cultures have long celebrated the darkest time of year. This book explores the history and meaning of the festive season worldwide, from Yule and the Nativity to ancient pagan rituals.