{"product_id":"how-christmas-became-christmas-the-pagan-and-christian-origins-of-the-beloved-holiday","title":"How Christmas Became Christmas: The Pagan and Christian Origins of the Beloved Holiday","description":"In some respects, the contrasts of Christmas are what make it the most delightful time of the year. It is a time of generosity, kindness and peace on earth, with broad permission to indulge in food, drink and gifts. On the other hand, Christmas has become a battleground for raging culture wars, marred by debates about how it should be celebrated and acknowledged as a uniquely Christian holiday.\nThis text argues that much of the animosity is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the holiday's core character. By tracing Christmas's origins as a pagan celebration of the winter solstice and its development in Europe's Christianization, this history explains that the true \"reason for the season\" has as much to do with the earth's movement around the sun as with the birth of Christ. Chapters chronicle how Christmas's magic and misrule link to the nativity, and why the carnival side of the holiday appears so separated from traditional Christian beliefs.\u003cbr\u003eASIN: 1476688281\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: GBV.1476688281.A\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Acceptable\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:Parry, Nathaniel\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: This book is in acceptable condition and may have highlighting and or writing throughout. The actual cover image may not match the stock photo, dust jacket may be damaged or missing. Book may show internal and or external wear on spine or cover and may be slightly skewed or have creased pages. This is a used book so codes may be invalid or accompanying media may be missing. May be an Ex library book with stickers and stamps.  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Good Books Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50672874324273,"sku":"GBV.1476688281.A","price":21.47,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0914\/3730\/2065\/files\/1476688281-0.jpg?v=1740415697","url":"https:\/\/goodbookscompany.org\/products\/how-christmas-became-christmas-the-pagan-and-christian-origins-of-the-beloved-holiday","provider":"Good Books Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}