From its religious beginnings to its secular transformation, Christmas is one of the world’s most widely observed traditions. Each year, billions of people take part in Christmas celebrations, with rituals and themes varying across cultures and countries. A visual celebration of the most wonderful time of the year, The Christmas Book explores these customs in depth via more than 200 gorgeous and evocative photos, paintings, prints, sculptures, textiles, and more. This comprehensive Phaidon book features a series of themes that range from the nativity and religious celebrations to gift giving, carol singing, festive food, and classic Christmas films. Other chapters explore different traditions from all over the world. Artists featured in the book include icons like Sandro Botticelli, Andy Warhol, or Norman Rockwell, along with lesser-known but equally talented artists. The Christmas Book also features essays by food historian, cook and writer Sam Bilton; international Christmas expert and lecturer Dolph Gotelli; and writer, art historian and critic David Trigg.