In an intriguing and entertaining journey, this book uncovers the fascinating background to one of the biggest festive seasons.

From the ancient ceremonies celebrating Midwinter to festivals of Sol Invictus, and from Constantine’s establishment of a Christian festival to medieval ‘misrule’, the time around the solstice has long been an opportunity for people to come together and rejoice. These festive traditions have developed in many directions around the world.

This book tells the fuller story behind the sparkle and the merriment, and shows why, despite all the modern commercialism, Christmas has survived and still has meaning for us today.