A Little Book for Christmas

A Little Book for Christmas explores the cherished season of Christmas, known for present exchanges, food and drink, and socialising with friends and family. But what are the true origins and meaning of this seemingly inexhaustible celebration? Most of our current customs trace back only a few hundred years—such as Father Christmas, as we know him in red and white. However, festivals at this time of year have been celebrated for thousands of years.

While today’s Christmas typically commemorates the birth of Jesus, December 25 was originally the date of the winter solstice during Roman times, and many other cultures have celebrated the darkest winter night throughout history. This book examines all aspects of what the festive period means for people worldwide, beginning with a history of Christmas that delves into Yule, Nativity, and Christmas traditions, as well as pagan celebrations.

Father Christmas, the embodiment of the holiday, has an entire chapter dedicated to him. This jolly character we know and love has a long history—and quite a large bag of presents too! But wait—there's myrrh(!): the book includes quotes, jokes, sayings, and words of wisdom and fun from around the globe. It also presents fun facts about how, where, when, and why we celebrate, while exploring curious customs from different cultures.

SAMPLE FACT:
The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, has been tracking Santa's journey around the world since 1958.