The Truth About Christmas: Its Traditions Unravelled

The truth about

by Philip Ardagh

Who decided to celebrate Jesus' birthday on 25th December...and why? Who exactly was Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus)? Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? When was the first Christmas card sent? What on earth has a Yule log to do with Christmas? What does "nativity" actually mean? Did Father Christmas really used to wear green? Who invented the advent calendar? What do frankincense and myrrh look like? What do crackers have to do with Christmas? Where do the flying reindeer come from? Was there really once meat in mince pies? What's all the holly and ivy for? Why are carols called carols? What exactly is a manger? Why are Christmas puddings Christmas-pudding shaped? Why hang Christmas wreaths to celebrate Christ's birth? Were Christmas trees really introduced to England by Prince Albert? Why have a fairy, not an angel at the top of the tree? These are just some of the questions you'll find answered in this fact-filled book.

Genres: Christmas, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 19, 2003

About the author

Over six-and-a-half feet tall, with a bushy beard, Philip Ardagh is not only very big but also very hairy. He is the author of the Eddie Dickens Trilogy and when not writing silly books, Mr. Ardagh is quite serious and frowns a great deal. He lives in a seaside town somewhere in England with his wife and their son, Fred.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a child I grew up loving Christmas, there was something warm and comforting about it at the darkest time of the year. As an adult, I have grown more cynical as it has grown into something that starts as summer ends and the expectations of the perfect presents and food are forced on us.

A lot of the ‘traditions’ that we now participate in (not in 2020 though) are not actually that old. Christmas was banned under Cromwell, It was restored after King Charles was restored to the throne and then it fizzled out. In the Victorian age, Dickens and Prince Albert were two of the people who were key in making it a thing again.

This tiny little book has charming snippets of information about our modern Christmas and where the traditions that we now have originated from, what the first advent calendars were like, what mince pies actually contained, why there is a fairy at the top of the tree and gives me convincing reasons why we shouldn’t have sprouts. Great little stocking filler.

[Christina Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun introduction to a few tradition surrounding Christmas. It ended quite abruptly so might have been nice to have a concluding chapter. Beautiful cover and illustrations!

[Handan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little book packed with fun facts. It fits in my smallest crossbody and provides moments of amusement whenever some waiting in line or for bus/tram calls for some reading.

[Nicola Baptie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is fab for avoiding the awakes questions that children may pose around Christmas, rather than following a 'lie', you can provide facts around Christmas that fit nicely into current societal norms around Christmas.

May not always fit in with school policy, depending on whether the school has strict religious or faith ethos, as it does discuss Jesus and other aspects of the Christian faith.

[Mila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read, filled with a mixture of nice background stories of our modern christmas celebrations and ardaghs wonderful writing, filled with hints of his humour. This made me not only think more about christmas and what it means to us, but also made me consider to celebrate yuletide instead! :D Everything mentioned about it sounds really fascinating.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyed the read, facts in an entertaining readable way

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice easy read.

[Alysia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was very well written. And I like the fact they use the king james bible. It explains why Christmas isn't what people thought it was and not only that it give proof. So i give it a 4.5

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great subject, boring delivery.