The Little Book of Advent, Christmas & Beyond

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." - Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

The traditions of Christmas are some of our most cherished. The making of an advent wreath, decorating a tree, the taste of a mince pie or the sound of carols are customs that we share with family and friends and which herald the festive season.

Enjoy the build up to Christmas with The Little Book of Advent: from advent wreaths and christingles, to pantomime and wassail, Hogmanay and Mari Lwyd, get ready for and celebrate Christmas and its traditions, foods and stories.

Just as with an advent calendar, each day brings something new to discover, with a recipe, a tradition and a piece of literature to enjoy. Beginning on the first of December, and taking you right though Advent and the Twelve Days of Christmas, this book unpacks the meaning and history of some of the best-loved Christmas traditions from around the world.

Take a break from the rush of the festive season with stories, poems and songs celebrating Christmas, the solstice and wintertide. Allow yourself some time to reflect on the turning of the year; make delicious seasonal treats and bring the season into your home and discover the Christmas traditions that will become part of your celebrations for years to come.

Highlights include:

• Over 30 seasonal recipes: Gingerbread Nightlights, Rich Christmas Cake, Glögg, Mince Pies
• Festive extracts from some of the world's best-loved poets and writers, including Christina Rossetti, Stella Gibbons, Robert Louis Stevenson, G K Chesterton, Louisa May Alcott and Laurie Lee
• Discover festive folklore and traditions from across the world, from Krampus and Tió de Nadal to Yalda night and the winter solstice