The origin and associations of Christmas, together with its historical events and festive celebrations during 19 centuries: depicting, by pen and pencil, memorable celebrations, stately meetings of early kings, remarkable events, romantic episodes, brave deeds, picturesque customs, time honored sports, royal Christmases, coronations and royal marriages, chivalric feats, court banquetings and revelings, Christmas at the colleges and the inns of court, popular festivities, and Christmas keeping in different parts of the world, derived from the most authentic sources and arranged chronologically. Illustrated.