This book is stuffed like a Christmas stocking with everything from wonder to whimsy - Advent wreaths, nativity plays, carol singing and ding-dong bells nestling comfortably alongside sparkling lights, holly and mistletoe, family traditions and Christmas pudding, the presents under the tree and the fairy perched on top!

Dip into any page and I hope you'll find something that recalls a memory, makes you smile, touches your heart or lifts your soul. As I wove all these thoughts together, I was moved to tears, laughed out loud - and occasionally burst into song as I spontaneously joined in with the carols we know so well.

These truly are 'tidings of comfort and joy'. I hope they warm and inspire you - both the hallelujah and the ho ho ho!

Pam Rhodes has been the familiar face of the BBC's Songs of Praise for many years. She's also written a number of books on well-known hymns, and loves Christmas carols so much she chose them as her specialist subject on Celebrity Mastermind!