A Christmas Cornucopia

The Hidden Stories Behind Our Yuletide Traditions

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Reference, Almanacs & Trivia, Curiosities & Wonders, Language Arts, Linguistics
Cover of the book A Christmas Cornucopia by Mark Forsyth, Penguin Books Ltd
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Mark Forsyth ISBN: 9780241977552
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd Publication: November 3, 2016
Imprint: Penguin Language: English
Author: Mark Forsyth
ISBN: 9780241977552
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Publication: November 3, 2016
Imprint: Penguin
Language: English

The unpredictable origins and etymologies of our cracking Christmas customs

For something that happens every year of our lives, we really don't know much about Christmas.

We don't know that the date we celebrate was chosen by a madman, or that Christmas, etymologically speaking, means "Go away, Christ". Nor do we know that Christmas was first celebrated in 243 AD on March 28th - and only moved to 25th December in 354 AD. We're oblivious to the fact that the advent calendar was actually invented by a Munich housewife to stop her children pestering her for a Christmas countdown. And we would never have guessed that the invention of crackers was merely a way of popularising sweet wrappers.

Luckily, like a gift from Santa himself, Mark Forsyth is here to unwrap this fundamentally funny gallimaufry of traditions and oddities, making it all finally make sense - in his wonderfully entertaining wordy way.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The unpredictable origins and etymologies of our cracking Christmas customs

For something that happens every year of our lives, we really don't know much about Christmas.

We don't know that the date we celebrate was chosen by a madman, or that Christmas, etymologically speaking, means "Go away, Christ". Nor do we know that Christmas was first celebrated in 243 AD on March 28th - and only moved to 25th December in 354 AD. We're oblivious to the fact that the advent calendar was actually invented by a Munich housewife to stop her children pestering her for a Christmas countdown. And we would never have guessed that the invention of crackers was merely a way of popularising sweet wrappers.

Luckily, like a gift from Santa himself, Mark Forsyth is here to unwrap this fundamentally funny gallimaufry of traditions and oddities, making it all finally make sense - in his wonderfully entertaining wordy way.

More books from Penguin Books Ltd

Cover of the book 2-Power: The Canine Conspiracy by Mark Forsyth
Cover of the book Richard II by Mark Forsyth
Cover of the book Funny Buggers by Mark Forsyth
Cover of the book Mr Majeika and the School Trip by Mark Forsyth
Cover of the book The Elves and the Shoemaker: Ladybird First Favourite Tales by Mark Forsyth
Cover of the book Shakespeare's Words by Mark Forsyth
Cover of the book Access Road by Mark Forsyth
Cover of the book The Criminal Alphabet by Mark Forsyth
Cover of the book Chicken Licken: Ladybird First Favourite Tales by Mark Forsyth
Cover of the book Street Without a Name by Mark Forsyth
Cover of the book Start Your Business in 7 Days by Mark Forsyth
Cover of the book Still Not Happy, John! by Mark Forsyth
Cover of the book A Maori Word A Day by Mark Forsyth
Cover of the book Mr Creep the Crook by Mark Forsyth
Cover of the book Songs and Verse by Mark Forsyth
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy