This Christmas story is unusual and educational. Students will get a whole new perspective on Christmas customs with this Jackdaw. Enchanting and intriguing hands-on documents visit the roots of Christmas and its customs round the world. Students, and teachers too, will learn Christmas was once illegal, but then learn further about customs, ceremonies, folklore and festivities. All will enjoy the wonderful Victorian illustrations, games, and even full-models of a puppet and a mask. Historian: Howard Loxton. The contents of this Jackdaw feature:

• Christus Natus Est — a Christmas broadsheet published in 1631.
• Parliamentary Proclamation of 1652 forbidding the celebration of Christmas.
• Verses for the Year, 1831 — broadside given out by a London watchman to solicit Christmas gifts.
• The Christmas Play of St. George and the Dragon, 1833.
• The first Christmas card, issued 1843.
• Toby Tott and Christmas Pudding - a card game, 1845.
• Polichinelle et Arlequin - Punch and Harlequin for a puppet Harlequinade.
• Queen Victoria’s Christmas Tree, 1848, as described and illustrated in the Illustrated London News.
• Christmas Gambols — a broadside of 1823 with verses and character cards for Twelfth Night games.
• Decorations for your Christmas tree.
• Crowns for the Twelfth Night king and queen.
• Dragon’s mask for the mummer’s play of St. George.