Fortson's Ultimate Guide To: Christmas (Fortson's Handbooks For The Holidays)

Fortson's Ultimate Guide To: Christmas (Fortson's Handbooks For The Holidays)

It's easy to think of Santa Claus as just a jolly, plump man in a red suit, a cozy figure who perfectly sums up the magic of Christmas. But what if I told you that the story is a lot weirder and a lot older than you’ve been led to believe? Forget the North Pole for a minute, and picture something a bit more primal: a flying shaman on a mushroom fueled trip, a wild god leading a ghostly hunt through the winter sky, and ancient tree spirits honored long before Christianity came around. You see, the Santa we know and love isn't just a recent invention cooked up for a soda ad. His modern image is actually a wild mashup of ancient legends and winter customs from all over the world, many with their roots in old, pagan traditions. In this book, we're going on a journey to unwrap the Santa myth, piece by glorious piece. We'll dig up the forgotten folklore behind the gift giving, the winter greenery, and even those flying reindeer. Get ready to see the festive traditions you’ve always known in a completely new and sometimes surprising light.