Introduction Chapter One: Season of Darkness, Season of Light Early Midwinter Celebrations Time to Feast Yule Logs and the Yule Goat Ancient Rome Ancient Greece Flying Chariots Early Christianity The Story of the Nativity The Spread of Christianity The Puritans Christmas Carols Saint Nicholas Christmas Bounces Back Chapter Two: The Beginnings of Modern Christmas Saint Nicholas, Meet Santa Claus! Rich and Poor Modern Christmas Music Christmas Trees Gift Giving Let's Shop! (or Not) Chapter Three: Celebrations around the World Light Feasting Gifts (or Who Brought Those Presents Anyway? Fun and Games A final word from the authors Glossary Resources Index Acknowledgments.