The Natural History of Christmas

This PowerPoint slideshow lasts just over an hour and looks at the animals, plants and fungi associated with Christmas, starting with the animals witnessing the birth of Christ, to the legend of Saint Nicolas, the origins of the British Father Christmas and the concept of flying reindeer. It also looks at seasonal food throughout the ages and the evolution of Christmas decorations. It is in memory of Patrick Harding (botanist, fungus expert, educator and broadcaster) and based on his book “The Magic of Christmas”