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?

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.