Our British Christmas is unique. Its customs date back to the mists of time, but they all developed for identifiable reasons. Christmas has had a roller-coaster history, from a crazy over-the-top festival in Tudor times, to near extinction, then to a modern reinvention. This was when Father Christmas met Santa Claus - when a great writer blended the best of the past into a new White Christmas tradition.

Mike is a former journalist and retired History teacher who was Assistant Head at Uppingham School for many years. His talks focus on aspects of History, both local and more general - not necessarily mainstream or well-known but always interesting!

Image sources: 1, 2