Book of Christmas

What is the significance of holly at Christmas? When should you make your figgy pudding? Why was the Old Lad's Passing Bell rung on Christmas Eve? And who was Good King Wenceslas? This title provides answers to such questions.
A beautiful, nostalgic book of traditions and myths for the Christmas seasonWhat is the significance of holly at Christmas? When should you make your figgy pudding? Why was the "Old Lad's Passing Bell" rung on Christmas Eve? Who was Good King Wenceslas? Christmas Day was first celebrated on December 25th in the fourth century CE. But when should our Christmas decorations come down—Twelfth Day, Twelfth Night, or Candlemas? And why? Packed with fascinating facts about ancient religious customs and traditional feasts, instructions for Victorian parlor games and the stories behind favorite carols, this is a captivating volume about Christmas past.
• What is the significance of holly at Christmas? • When should you make your figgy pudding? • Why was the Old Lad's Passing Bell rung on Christmas Eve? • And who was Good King Wenceslas?Did you know that, long before turkey arrived on our shores, it was traditional to serve a roasted wild boar's head at Christmas? Or that our Christmases were once so cold that Frost Fairs were held on the River Thames? Christmas Day was first celebrated on December 25 in the fourth century. But when should our Christmas decorations come down -- Twelfth Day, Twelfth Night ... or Candlemas? And why? A captivating volume, The Book of Christmas is packed with fascinating information on ancient religious customs and traditional feasts, age-old superstitions and rites, and the stories behind some of our favourite Christmas carols and books, making it the perfect guide to Christmastime.