A new coffee table book titled 'Why We Need Christmas' is set to explore the psychological and cultural roots of holiday traditions, examining customs passed down through generations and the rituals that keep the spirit of Christmas alive each year. The publication serves as a companion piece to the festive season, offering readers an in-depth look at the mechanisms behind holiday celebrations, ranging from ancient superstitions to modern-day familial gatherings. The book delves into global variations of Christmas etiquette, highlighting that while the Netherlands often features gourmet dinners, Sweden traditionally serves a 'julbord' buffet, and Australia, celebrating in summer, typically opts for barbecues. It also traces linguistic origins, noting the Latin root 'prosit' of the toast 'proost', which translates to 'may it be for your good' and predates the physical clinking of glasses. Central to the book's thesis is the idea that specific meals or material displays matter less than the memories created during the holiday. The content focuses on the emotional resonance of samenzijn (togetherness) rather than just the ritual itself. Spanning 240 pages, the volume combines factual reporting with personal narratives. It includes historical overviews of Christmas cards across centuries, new recipes, and anecdotes that illustrate how traditions have evolved over time. Beyond the joyous aspects, the book addresses the darker side of the holiday season, including loneliness and financial strain. To address these issues, the LINDA.foundation collaborated on the project; a portion of sales from each copy sold will be donated to the charity to help families in financial hardship. The book is priced at 75 euros and becomes officially available on December 1. Pre-orders placed before this date incur no shipping costs. [1]
The LINDA.foundation, an initiative founded by Linda de Mol and the LINDA brand since 2013, supports families facing economic difficulties by distributing thousands of boxes filled with gift vouchers annually. To date, the foundation has assisted more than 60,000 families in creating positive Christmas experiences. Donations can be made via iDeal or Tikkie for one-time gifts, or via bank transfer for recurring contributions. [1]
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