This beautiful and thoughtful companion to the season of Advent and Christmas encourages readers to explore the true meaning of the festive season through a combination of reflections, quotations and classic images. The chapters focus on objects and activities we all associate with Christmas - such as making lists, decorations, gifts, Christmas trees, music, food and family - as well as special days such as Christmas Eve and Epiphany. In each section, the author brings together personal experience, Christmas traditions, spiritual reflection and quotations from scripture and other writings through the ages. The result is an imaginative and stimulating exploration of the riches of this season - illustrated throughout with colour reproductions of classic Christmas-themed paintings.