This is the second of our monthly online lecture series.

A Roman end-of-year debauch, a major Christian celebration, a Viking “Yule” to lighten the darkest days, and a child-and-family-friendly 19th century adaptation that owes much to Washington Irving and Charles Dickens -- all these have echoes or substance in our modern Christmas.

This year, of all years, is a time that some festive spirit would be particularly welcome and London Historian Member and author George Goodwin will be more than happy if his highly-illustrated talk, based on his book Christmas Traditions, lifts the mood just a little.

Christmas Traditions is published by the British Library and most of its illustrations come from the BL’s own magnificent collections. It is available here and here and through all good bookshops

George’s talk is in association with the British Library’s Eccles Centre for American Studies