The Puritan War on Christmas 'Trappings of popery and rags of the beast'. Mince-pies, mummers, holly and church services all fell victim to a determined Puritan attempt to stamp out the celebration of Christmas under the Commonwealth. Chris Durston | Published in History Today Volume 35 Issue 12 December 1985 To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5. Start my trial subscription now If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems. InterregnumCulturalReligionSocialChristmas Related Articles Christmas with Sam and Elizabeth Popular articles Why Do Religions Decline? ‘Who Really Wrote the Bible’ by William M. Schniedewind review