The Little Book of Christmas and Hogmanay
Scotland's Festive Traditions
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Birlinn General
Published:2nd Oct '25
Should be back in stock very soon
From Celtic druids and Viking Yule to the outright banning of Christmas for 400 years, The Broons, first footing and the Loony Dook, this is a joyous miscellany that showcases the creative, elaborate and sometimes downright bizarre aspects of Scottish Christmas and New Year, from the ancient past to the more recent present. It includes different local traditions, from those practised in the Borders all the way to the islands of Orkney and Shetland, as well as the nationwide pastimes enjoyed by everyone.
The book is packed with tradition, lore and legend, as well as poems, stories, carols, recipes, history, jokes and fun facts. Illustrated throughout with line drawings and black and white photographs.
Best enjoyed in front of an open fire with a glass of whisky and a black bun.
'The perfect stocking filler... this engaging, charming, Caledonia-focussed little book will educate a little, but most importantly will bring a helping of festive cheer to every member of the family'
* Scottish Field *'This sweet little illustrated book, which remembers traditions past and present celebrated throughout Scotland – from Celtic druids to first footing - is sure to spark conversation as well as nostalgia as its reader shares nuggets from within its pages'
* Scotland Magazine, Christmas Gifts *'a beautiful and thoroughly enjoyable little hardback book that is guaranteed to brighten up the festive season of anyone in, or from, or connected to Scotland. It is, in essence, a nicely-illustrated collection of snippets about a large number and wide variety of Scottish festive traditions'
-- Ken Lussey * Undiscovered Scotland *'This excellent little book might well fill a corner of a stocking on Christmas eve'
* The Ileach *'A feast of facts'
* Church Times *'A fantastic book exploring the many traditions we have in Scotland and the history behind them'
* Peeblesshire NeISBN: 9781780279602
Dimensions: 176mm x 111mm x 18mm
Weight: 259g
144 pages