Christmas Past

Christmas Past by Gavin Weightman, published by Sidgwick & Jackson in 1987, offers a detailed exploration of the evolution of the traditional family Christmas in Great Britain. This 176-page book is designed to accompany the London Weekend Television programme and examines the origins of Christmas celebrations from the Victorian era to contemporary times. It draws on material from 19th-century newspapers and magazines to illuminate how various customs, such as the legend of Santa Claus and the use of holly and mistletoe, became integral to the holiday.

Readers will find a rich tapestry of stories that not only recount how Christmas has been celebrated over the years but also reflect changing social conditions. The book includes accounts of Christmas in diverse contexts, such as India in the 1920s and during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Through its historical lens, Christmas Past delves into the social aspects of the holiday, providing insights into how traditions have evolved in response to societal changes in Great Britain.