I like to celebrate Christmas the way my family always honored it–with parties, carols, pageants, presents, prayers and church. But–like a true Chatterer–I’m also always looking for fresh inspiration. I especially like learning about how December’s holidays–from various faiths–were celebrated centuries ago. Last year, I ordered The School of the Seasons’ 40-page “Midwinter Packet”, and found it both informative and festive.

In it, you’ll see old-fashioned and new-fangled ways to celebrate Yule, Hanukkah, Christmas, Midwinter, Saturnalia, Winter Solstice, and all the other festivals of light. The pack, which can be mailed to you on paper for $14, or online as a Word attachment for $9, includes tips on how to celebrate the twelve days of Christmas, recipes for traditional foods like puddings and porridges, traditional Winter Solstice games, information on the “mysterious gift givers of the winter nights” (including St. Lucy and the Frauen), and lyrics for ancient and pagan Yuletide carols. It’s a unique compilation and a labor of love. Put on Baroque Christmas music as you read it, and you’ll just melt. If you like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing you’ll like.