A Christmas Compendium

Why do we have Christmas trees and what, if anything, do they have to do with the story of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus?

When did the tradition of sending Christmas cards begin?

What was so special about oranges that they became the favoured treasure in a Christmas stocking?

Why do we have stockings anyway? What is frankincense? The twelve days of Christmas? These are just some of the questions answered in succinct, informative entries in this engaging A - Z of Christmas and the meaning behind the traditions we love or hate.

Each entry includes a dictionary definition, the origin of the word or phrase including its Latin roots, and sometimes a further relevant snippet of information such as a biblical reference or a general description.

Then follows the entry, sometimes just a single paragraph, giving more detailed information in concise, accessible language.

Christmas is so all-encompassing that everyone is caught up in it, believers and non-believers alike: here is a book which will remind those who have forgotten, or inform those who never knew, where it all came from.