The Battle for Christmas

This engaging social history explores the origins and evolution of Christmas traditions, tracing their roots from festive disorder to modern celebrations centered around domesticity and consumerism. Drawing on extensive research, Stephen Nissenbaum examines how practices like gift-giving and the Christmas tree emerged and transformed over time, offering a fascinating perspective on the holiday's cultural history. Filled with rich detail and insightful analysis, the book sheds light on the holiday’s carnival past and its influence on contemporary Christmas festivities.