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 ‘The Crowd in the Early Middle Ages’ by Shane Bobrycki review How Have Cults Shaped American History?