The Xmas Files — Philosophy of Christmas by Stephen Law was an unexpected find a few years ago, and it’s more than just ‘how do you deal with bad presents that you have to smile about?’ From Kantian advice on honesty being the best policy to Mill’s keeping the seasonal peace, there’s a range discussions on what peace really involves and how to deal with all the myths and mythology about the season, and not just the Santa Claus ones.

I particularly enjoyed the discussions about religion and the conflict with commercialisation of Christmas, and the range of ways that we can celebrate this time of year no matter what beliefs we hold. It has a casual, engaging style that is similar to the other works by Law like The Philosophy Files, and while it might seem an obvious present for this time of the year, it’s certainly a great addition to a beginner’s library on the subject regardless.

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