Publication date UK format 1/11/22 pages 192 audio time 8h 30m
I would like to thank the author, publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to pick this to read and review, all my reviews are honest.
Synopsis
Behind every Christmas tradition is a story — usually, a forgotten one. Each year, as we decorate a tree, build a gingerbread house, and get ready for a visit from St. Nicholas, we’re continuing generations-old narratives, while being largely unaware of their starting chapters. But knowing how these traditions began adds a new level of depth to our Christmas spirit, as well as an arsenal of anecdotes to share at Christmas parties. Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday’s Traditions reveals the surprising, quirky, mysterious, and sometimes horrifying stories behind the most wonderful time of the year. With 26 short chapters, it’s a festive, digestible Advent calendar of a book. Covering traditions ancient and modern, Christmas Past is filled with stories of happy accidents, cultural histories, criminal capers (including tomb raiders and con artists), and hidden connections between Christmas and broader social, economic, and technological influences. How did the invention of plate glass forever change the Christmas season? What common Christmas item helped introduce fine art to the masses? Why do Americans typically spike their eggnog with rum, rather than the traditional brandy? And speaking of booze, does using the phrase “Merry Christmas” mark you as a drunken reveler? Christmas Past answers all of those questions, and many more.
My Review
This was a great book that I learnt so much from reading. It was fantastic learning about the history behind so many of our iconic Christmas traditions. If you have ever wondered why we do something at Christmas or ever thought when we started doing certain Christmas things then you really need to read thos book as it covers so many interesting traditions. I loved how the author also compares these traditions to different countries. Especially the differences between UK and American traditions. I was especially fascinating reading the bit on which country eats KFC at Christmas I was certainly surprised. I listened to the audiobook and loved that the author read it.he had a great voice and I loved his passion that came through in his reading of this book. I was totally engrossed and definitely shocked in places. This book was well wrote and lots of research obviously went into the writing of this book. It certainly kept my interest throughout and I am so glad that I found this book. I can't wait to talk about it with family at Christmas. Its a perfect read for the Christmas know it all.
I really can't recommend this book enough. There is something for everyone to enjoy learning and there will be loads you never knew about.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating this wonderful and very interesting book. I would definitely like to read more books from this great author.
Where you can buy this book
Amazon US K $17.99, AUDIBLE, HC $21.29
B&N HC $24.95, EB $17.99, AUDIO
Kobo A £9.99
Amazon UK AUDIBLE, HC £20.39
All prices are subject to change at any time. Please remember to review all books you finish reading so others can find these amazing books. All reviews help just remember not to tell people what the book is about as everyone has already read the synopsis. Just include what you liked and felt when reading the book.
HAPPY READING