In 1616 Ben Jonson wrote an allegorical play about Christmas in which old Captain Christmas has ten children named after holiday traditions, Misrule (topsy-turvy themed celebrations that reversed the hierarchy, e.g. a choirboy serves as bishop for the day), Gambol (frolicking), Mince Pie, Post-and-Pair (a card game popular at Christmas parties), New Year’s Gift (New Year used to be the day for presents), Mumming (plays and pageants), Wassail (drinking toasts), Offering (charitable giving), Baby Cake and Carol.

I just love that, all these allegorical names, the irresistible combination of Mince Pie and Baby Cake, and Carol, the one name that’s an ordinary everyday human person’s name today.