Did you know that Bethlehem is the Hebrew for 'House of Bread', or that card is from the Greek 'Khartes' meaning Papyrus leaf? Or that Christmas crackers first appeared as sweets wrapped in twists of paper?These and many more intriguing facts about Christmas are contained in this compendium, an ideal gift or stocking-filler for Christmas.

'I set out to unravel the mysteries and myths of our Christmas traditions and found myself amused, appalled, astonished and fascinated. I hope you will be too.'