Christmas: Tradition, Truth and Total Baubles

Why is Christmas the way it is? How did we get from the birth of Jesus to everyone pushing their credit card and their belts to their maximum extent?

Starting with the events surrounding Jesus' birth, this book takes us through centuries of commemoration, celebration and over-consumption. Along the way we'll find out why we eat turkey, how an obscure Turkish saint turned into a man flying a sleigh, and why that tree in your house should really contain an apple and a snake.

Combining in-depth historical research, cheerfully irreverent humour and cutting-edge guesswork, Nick Page explores what this festival really means, and how we can get back to something real and true beneath all that wrapping.

“Combining in-depth historical research with cheerfully irreverent humour...This is really good fun - and informative.”

this author and comedy writer delves deep into the mythology surrounding Christmas lore and, with relish, explodes the myths Saga
CHRISTMAS is an unashamedly adolescent romp, hilariously debunking traditions sacred and secular, clearing the clutter for Christ. Church Times
'fun and informative' Irish Independent
Fascinating The Sunday Times
it's fascinating...There's no doubting his eye for detail. The Sunday Times
'featured in the Evening Standard's best humour books of 2020' Evening Standard
Delves deep into the mythology surrounding Christmas lore and,with relish, explodes the myths. Saga Magazine
a fun and informative read. Page doesn't just denounce various claims and assumptions; he digs into a tonne of source material to uncover what exactly was the case...full of interesting little titbits which makes it an ideal Christmas gift. Independent Ireland
Preach Magazine
Nick Page in his inimitable style debunks the myths that have grown up around Christmas ...a book that you could give to your hard-to-buy for male relative. Woman Alive
With infectious humour and a friendly tone, Nick Page explores how our festive traditions have evolved...this book is a merry and captivating guide to Christmas celebration. CHRISTIANITY MAGAZINE

Prized for his skills as a writer, speaker, unlicensed historian, applied ranter and general information-monger, Nick Page has written over 70 books, including THE TABLOID BIBLE, the 'Longest Week' trilogy and, most recently, his NEARLY INFALLIBLE HISTORY series. Nick lives in Oxfordshire with his wife Claire and their three daughters.

Why is Christmas the way it is? How did we get from the birth of Jesus to everyone pushing their credit card and their belts to their maximum extent? Starting with the events surrounding Jesus' birth, this book takes us through centuries of commemoration, celebration and over-consumption. Along the way we'll find out why we eat turkey, how an obscure Turkish saint turned into a man flying a sleigh, and why that tree in your house should really contain an apple and a snake. Combining in-depth historical research, cheerfully irreverent humour and cutting-edge guesswork, Nick Page explores what this festival really means, and how we can get back to something real and true beneath all that wrapping.

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