While popular traditions of celebrating Christmas and Easter are an integral part of our shared culture, less is known about how other days of the Christian calendar from Advent to the summer are observed and celebrated.

Which prayer led to the creation of the Christmas pudding? Why is St Lucy remembered during Advent? What is the meaning of ‘boxing’ on St Stephen’s Day? Does Christmas really last until February?

Which country has a  burial of the sardine custom on Ash Wednesday?  When should you eat Carlin peas? Who invented hot cross buns? Where do choirs sing from tower tops?

Leigh Hatts’ comprehensively-researched books Keeping Advent & Christmas and Keeping Lent & Easter help us to rediscover the Christian-based, seasonal customs buried deep within our culture and church life.