P209 CEEFAX 2O9 Tue 26 Dec 21:41/35 →  R→      Christmas "disappeared" in 1642 when the Puritans passed a law abolishing the celebration. There were riots in Canterbury, Ipswich Oxford and ,ondon, and congregations were arrested and brought before magistrates. Shops and markets were ordered to stay open and Parliament oould carry on working as a good example. Christmas "returned" after the monarchy was restored.