We all know about mistletoe. But have you heard about Santa's evil sidekick and the Scandinavian celebration of Saint Lucy? Merry very peculiar Christmas, with this sideways look at the world's bizarre yuletide customs. So leave the mince pies on the mantelpiece if you've been good, block up your chimneys if you've been bad, and put this delightful little book under the tree!

Fiona Macdonald studied history at Cambridge University, England, and at the University of East Anglia. She has taught in schools and colleges and has written numerous books for children.