How Christmas Became Christmas
Book Details
Reading Info
About This Book
In some respects, the contrasts of Christmas are what make it the most delightful time of the year. It is a time of generosity, kindness and peace on earth, with broad permission to indulge in food, drink and gifts. On the other hand, Christmas has become a battleground for raging culture wars, marred by debates about how it should be celebrated and acknowledged as a uniquely Christian holiday. This text argues that much of the animosity is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the holiday'
Our Review
This engaging exploration of Christmas history reveals how the holiday's modern identity emerged from surprisingly diverse origins, challenging common assumptions about its exclusively Christian roots. The book traces Christmas from ancient winter festivals through medieval celebrations and Victorian reinventions, showing how traditions like gift-giving and evergreen decorations predate Christianity. Readers will discover how political, commercial, and cultural forces across centuries shaped the Christmas we know today, with the text carefully documenting how pagan customs, folk traditions, and secular influences all contributed to the holiday's development.
What makes this historical account particularly compelling is how it reframes contemporary debates about Christmas by providing crucial context about the holiday's genuinely mixed heritage. The author demonstrates that much of today's cultural tension stems from historical amnesia about Christmas's eclectic origins, offering readers a more nuanced understanding that transcends modern political divisions. Anyone curious about why we celebrate Christmas the way we do—or frustrated by seasonal arguments about the holiday's "true meaning"—will find this well-researched journey through Christmas history both enlightening and surprisingly relevant to current discussions.
Themes
Subjects
Looking for more books?
Visit our sister site BooksbyOrder.com