麻豆约拍

Join Cathy MacDonald and Tony Kearney as they celebrate a Scottish Christmas through the ages.

They are joined by historian Amy Blakeway, who reveals the fasting and feasting of Christmas in the court of James V and the vast quantities of food and drink consumed, which included roast swan and gallons of ale.

History producer Louise Yeoman then outlines why Christmas was effectively banned in Scotland for many centuries and how parishes and pubs were patrolled by the goose police intent on catching anyone out who dared celebrate the big day.

The story of how the Victorians changed Christmas forever and where the origin of Santa Claus, Christmas lights and Christian Christmas cards came from is explained by author of Christmas and the British: A Modern History Martin Johnes.

Finally, food writer Dr Annie Gray reveals the vast quantities of meat served at a Victorian Christmas feast, including a game pie, a hog's head and half a cow. She also explains why the humble turkey became our staple festive food and the evolution of the mince pie

Along the way Cathy and Tony serve up some classic festive tunes as well as some selected family memories of Christmases past from comedian Susan Morrison and her mum, Peggy.