Christmas falls on 25th December with faithful inevitability. Indeed, our entire Western system of time is based upon it. It may seem as though it has always been this way, but like many facts of the holiday’s history, the date of Christ’s birth contains a complex story wrapped in controversy. Despite the deep traditions that bind a culture to its version of Christmas – the pageantry, food and folklore – its longevity has always depended on its ability to evolve. Christmas: The Sacred to Santa takes us on a journey from the historical origins of Christmas to its modern incarnation as a global commercial event.
Along the way we encounter a vast array of religious personages, fictional characters and mythic figures that have become associated with its celebration, from Saint Nicholas to the Magi, Scrooge and Krampus. Moore explores how the great traditions such as Christmas trees, feasting and gift-giving emerged, as well as how Christmas has been portrayed in culture, from the literary works of Charles Dickens to the now annual bout of films and seasonal music – including traditional carols and the latest Christmas chart-topper.
