Christmas often feels like an ancient tradition - but is more recent than many people realise. Father Christmas may well have his origins be in a pre-Christian past - in the mists of time German children put out their boots for the mythological Norse god Odin to fill with good things to eat in midwinter.

But it wasn't until the 1930s that the familiar red-garbed Santa appeared, thanks to the marketing men of the Coca-Cola company.

However, I have a Victorian newspaper engraving of Old Father Christmas (his story by then probably based on the legend of St Nicholas) dressed in unfamiliar medieval-looking costume - so he was definitely around at the time of Prince Albert, who was also instrumental in popularising the Christmas tree The poem below written by Clement C. Moore in 1822 as a Christmas present to his children, is often referred to as The Night before Christmas, but was originally titled A Visit from St Nicholas He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a pedlar just opening his sack.

His eyes how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!

He was chubby and plump - a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.

Adverts in contemporary publications suggest the gifts Victorians gave at Christmas were not so very different from those we give today - watches, pens, jewellery, bottles and decanters, models, hampers, dolls and even bicycles.

I took a trip to the award-winning The Swan at Tetsworth antiques centre to see which of those old' Christmas presents you can still buy today. Manager Rita Woodman showed me around and explained her own special festive tradition.

"It has become a regular event at The Swan to have the Festival Choir singing carols and festive songs. This year they will be singing on December 3, between 6:30-7:30pm. Mulled wine and mince pies add to the festive spirit!" Rita said.

While enjoying the food, drink and music what kind of antique' presents can you find? I certainly saw plenty that caught my eye.

I enjoy a trip to the opera, so the mother of pearl encased opera glasses were appealling - they look so much nicer than red plastic. The jewellery is still as attractive as ever, silver and gold lockets can contain that lock of hair or photograph that can turn a gift into something very personal.

For men producing a fob watch from a pocket could be an amusing response to the question What time is it?' Food and drink related objects include unusual mechanisms for bottle openers, wine glasses and the decanters and decanter holders that appeared in the 19th century adverts.

Silver hip flasks and telescopes are possibilities for lovers of the great outdoors and candlesticks and candelabra for those who like an elegant dining table.

To create an opulent style for serving Christmas fare, there are unusual serving dishes, large silver serving spoons, plated ladles, stilton scoops and cheese dishes. If there is room on a desk laden with the latest technology, then pen holders, letter clips and magazine and book racks could also be fun. The Victorians made things to last because they look as good as the day they were made.

"An antique gift is an individual one, which is usually carefully chosen for its recipient," said Rita."There will be no other like it. A treasured gift of an antique may inspire and become the first piece of a new collection or perhaps a family heirloom passed from generation to generation to be cherished forever, and provide pleasure for many years to come."

The Swan is open all week and has an exceptional restaurant and bar so you can enjoy relaxed shopping expeditions away from High Street hassle.

My search for Christmas past continued at the Abingdon County Hall Museum. Curator Lauren Gilmore told me about the museum's special Christmas exhibition.

"We have brought together a collection of cards, toys and presents. Theatre-going and music feature in most people's festive entertainment. The Abingdon Touring Theatre Company will be in the gallery every day from December 27-31. They will amuse us with a cabaret style portrayal of some unusual ways people celebrate in other parts of the world.

"The Oxford Drama Wardrobe has loaned costumes for a series of historical personalities, including Samual Pepys and fictional characters from Alice in Wonderland and The Wind in the Willows. "

The Bate Collection in Oxford has loaned the museum eight rare instruments, including a serpentine, used by musicians in the 17th century. It reminds me of Thomas Hardy's woodlanders wassailing around the Dorset villages.

Carol singing works up an appetite - so Victorian and Edwardian tins, spices and recipes for creating Christmas cake, pudding and pies are on also on display.

n The Swan@Tetsworth Open 10am-6pm, all week.

www.theswan.co.uk 01844 281777 Abingdon County Hall Museum Christmas Exhibition until January 9, 2008 Daily 10:30-4pm, admission free. Activities in the gallery from 11am-1pm, December 27-28 and January 2 -6. Call 01235 523703 for more details.