The Romans knew the dangers of December overindulgence

Christmas is a time of feasting. So too was the Roman festival of Saturnalia, held in honour of the god Saturn, which took place between 17 and 23 December, when even a poor peasant might kill a pig fattened up for the occasion or, if not, hope to join the company of someone who had. Drinking and riot too were all part of the festivities. Such self-indulgence was fair – or fare – enough once a year, but throughout the year? That was what made Roman moralists reflect sadly on the corruption of that frugal and simple life which they judged to have been the key to Roman greatness.

Romans traced this decline back to their overseas victories against Carthage, Greece and Asia (2nd-1st century bc), which did indeed bring billions into Roman coffers but also, it was claimed, an unhealthy taste for art collecting, sex and exotic wines and foreign food.