Christmas: Tradition, Truth and Total Baubles

Christmas has evolved from the birth of Jesus to over-consumption and credit card pushing. This book explores the history and meaning of the festival, including why we eat turkey and why trees should contain an apple and a snake.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2020
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Christmas, a time-honored tradition celebrated around the world, holds a rich history and significance. From the humble birth of Jesus Christ to the present-day festivities, the journey has been a remarkable one. In this book, we delve into the origins and evolution of Christmas, exploring the various customs, traditions, and symbols that have shaped this festive season.

The events surrounding Jesus' birth, marked by divine intervention and the presence of angels, set the stage for the birth of a savior. The early Christian community, recognizing the significance of this event, began to commemorate it with special services and celebrations. Over time, these celebrations evolved into the elaborate festivals we know today, filled with music, decorations, and the exchange of gifts.

One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas is the Christmas tree. The tradition of decorating a tree with lights, ornaments, and garlands dates back to the Middle Ages and has since become a widespread practice. The tree is believed to represent the life of Jesus, with the lights symbolizing his birth and the ornaments representing the gifts he received from the wise men.

Another significant aspect of Christmas is the feast that accompanies it. The traditional Christmas meal, often featuring turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and various side dishes, has its roots in medieval Europe. The turkey, in particular, has become a staple of the Christmas dinner table, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.

However, the modern-day celebration of Christmas has been heavily influenced by consumerism and materialism. The pressure to buy gifts, decorate lavishly, and host extravagant parties has led to a culture of over-consumption and waste. Many people find themselves spending excessive amounts of money on gifts that are often discarded or forgotten, and the environmental impact of such practices is becoming a concern.

In this book, we aim to explore the true meaning of Christmas and how we can reclaim the essence of this festive season. We will delve into the historical roots of Christmas, examining the customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. We will also examine the impact of consumerism on Christmas and offer practical tips on how to celebrate a more sustainable and meaningful holiday.

One of the key messages of this book is that Christmas should be about more than just the material possessions and superficial celebrations. It should be a time of reflection, gratitude, and connection with others. We can get back to something real and true beneath all that wrapping by focusing on the values of love, kindness, and generosity.

Furthermore, we will explore the cultural and religious significance of Christmas, examining how it has been interpreted and celebrated by different communities throughout history. We will also look at the role of Christmas in shaping our modern-day society, from the commercialization of the holiday to its influence on popular culture and the arts.

In conclusion, Christmas is a time-honored tradition that holds a rich history and significance. While it has evolved over centuries, it is important to remember the true meaning of this festive season. By reclaiming the essence of Christmas, we can celebrate a more sustainable, meaningful, and connected holiday. This book will provide you with the tools and insights you need to get back to something real and true beneath all that wrapping.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 140 x 205 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529334081