Paul Kerensa on his book Hark! And Christmas trivia you never wanted to know

Christian Today staff writer

Paul Kerensa, a comedian, author and BBC script writer, has written a book of Christmas history.

Hark! has been described as a 'delightful sleigh ride through Christmas history, full of wit, humour, warmth and fascinating facts'.

But despite its frivolous appearance Hark! is actually an in-depth and insightful examination of Christmas history. As Kerensa tells Christian Today: 'There aren't many jokes.' It is a weighty history book.

Why do we expect a 'white Christmas'? It turns out Charles Dickens is to blame. Did King Herod really have a wife called Doris? Was St Nicholas the first to use an automatic door?

Hark! is a surprisingly in-depth and historic look at the traditions behind Christmas and why we celebrate the way we do. Lion Hudson

As well as giving you an immediate headstart in Christmas trivia quiz, it is also a serious and weighty history of our beloved festival.

Kerensa has endorsements from names including the BBC's Jeremy Vine, Miranda Hart and Chris Evans and he joined us in the Christian Today offices to discuss what it was like reading Christmas books in March and whether writing on Christmas will spoil the celebrations for him this year.

You can watch our video interview with Paul here.

You can buy Hark! From Lion Hudson for £7.99 here.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.