the Christmas Present Book by Livingstone Publishing: Stories, Traditions and Surprising History Behind Gifts We Give

Looking for a Christmas present that's a little different? Give someone the stories behind the presents we give. Have you ever wondered why we hang Christmas stockings, place presents beneath the tree, wrap gifts in colourful paper or spend weeks searching for the perfect present?The Christmas Present Book unwraps the fascinating history, traditions and psychology behind one of Christmas's most loved customs: giving.Travel through centuries of Christmas gift-giving and discover how simple tokens, handmade treasures and oranges in stockings evolved into department-store Santas, Christmas catalogues, must-have toys, gift cards and online shopping.Along the way, discover: - How Saint Nicholas became connected with Christmas presents- Why stockings are hung and presents placed beneath the Christmas tree- The toys that created Christmas shopping crazes- What Christmas presents were like during hard times and wartime- How department stores and advertising transformed Christmas- Unusual gift-giving traditions from around the world- Why giving can feel as good as receiving- The psychology behind unwanted, sentimental and perfect presents- Why homemade, second-hand and experience gifts are making a comeback- How Christmas shopping changed from catalogues to clicks- Why some inexpensive presents become treasured for a lifetimeWarm, surprising and filled with stories that will make you look at the presents beneath the tree differently, The Christmas Present Book is perfect for anyone who loves Christmas, history, traditions, nostalgia and discovering the stories hidden inside everyday life.Because a Christmas present is never just the present.Sometimes the greatest gift is knowing the story behind it.