{"product_id":"book-ghos","title":"Christmas Past","description":"\u003cp\u003eBehind every Christmas tradition is a story—usually, a forgotten one. Each year, as we string up lights, build a gingerbread house, and get ready for a visit from St. Nicholas, we’re continuing generations-old narratives, while being largely unaware of their starting chapters. But knowing how these traditions began adds a new level of depth to our Christmas spirit, as well as an arsenal of anecdotes to share at Christmas parties. \u003cem\u003eChristmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday’s Traditions \u003c\/em\u003ereveals the surprising, quirky, mysterious, and sometimes horrifying stories behind the most wonderful time of the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: start\"\u003eWith twenty-six short chapters, \u003cem\u003eChristmas Past\u003c\/em\u003e is a festive, digestible Advent calendar of a book. Covering traditions ancient and modern, it’s filled with stories of happy accidents, cultural histories, criminal capers (including tomb raiders and con artists), and hidden connections between Christmas and broader social, economic, and technological influences. How did the invention of plate glass forever change the Christmas season? What common Christmas item helped introduce fine art to the masses? Why do Americans typically spike their eggnog with rum rather than the traditional brandy? And speaking of booze, does using the phrase “Merry Christmas” mark you as a drunken reveler? \u003cem\u003eChristmas Past\u003c\/em\u003e answers all those questions and many more.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Recorded Books, Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Audiobook","offer_id":49356167512368,"sku":"BDghos","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Audio CD","offer_id":49356167643440,"sku":"ZEghos","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Audio MP3-CD","offer_id":49356167610672,"sku":"ZMghos","price":35.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0879\/2784\/9264\/files\/351667-ghos-Square.jpg?v=1734404074","url":"https:\/\/downpour.com\/products\/book-ghos","provider":"Downpour","version":"1.0","type":"link"}