This was a quick read discussing many of the origins, traditions and history of winter solstice and Christmas celebrations. Although a bit silly, using Santa's pov broke up the monontony of what is otherwise a compilation of factoids.

Here's an example:

SANTA:"Ho, ho, ho! There are at least three – no, four – reasons why the Yule Log is so special. All (or none) may be true. Not even I know for sure!"

The Yule Log is midwinter magic. The heat and bright glow of its flames mimic the light and warmth of the Sun, and encourage them to come back to Earth at the darkest time of the year. And lighting the Log with wood from last years’s Yule fire links past, present and future.

I wouldn't say there is a lot of depth to most of the information and there isn't corresponding sources listed, so I am not certain where the primary historical information came from.

It does seem that many of the original winter solstice celebrations focused on community and driving out the bleakness, hunger and depression that accompanied the cold winter months. When Christmas types of celebrations replaced many of those customs, the focus shifted. (The book doesn't have a concrete answer as to exactly when that happened.)

After doing some research on my own a few weeks ago, it seems Charles Dickens forever altered and popularized the idea of what a real Victorian Christmas celebration should be, with a focus on children, family and those living in poverty. With the advent of mass production, television and advertising, the holiday season once again changed.

According to the book, during the 1930's a toilet brush manufacturer made the first commercially mass marketed artificial trees. (In my mind, that puts a whole new spin on "Oh Christmas Tree".)

A yule log sounds fun, but many of us don't have wood burning fireplaces anymore. I guess that is why we watch the HD version of it on tv?

Blind Man's Bluff sounds far more appealing than earlier sacrificial pagan rituals.

After all that, at the very least, I am grateful for safe LED energy saving lights, plugged into a GFCI outlet.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessed Winter Solstice ......
Well, you get the idea. ( )