The Encyclopaedia of Christmas (Hardback)

Christmas comes but once a year - but how much do we really know about its history, customs and traditions around the world?In this marvelous miscellany of merrymaking, Gerry Bowler explains and celebrates every aspect of Christmas - its food, drink, carols, fables, gift-giving and traditions.Taking in everything from Wren Boys and Star Boys to mumming and wassailing; the Feast of Fools to the origins of eggnog; Santa and Babushka to robins and reindeer; and chimney and chocolate coins to mince pies and Miracle on 34th Street, "The Encyclopedia of Christmas" is a joyous A to Z of the festive period.