The Christmas "Annual", which, after various vicissitudes, now seems to cater almost exclusively for juvenile readers, has a longer history than some may imagine. One of the earliest of the species was published "at the sign of the Angel without Newgate" in 1657, and its character and contents were sufficiently indicated by its title: "Make Roome for Christmas, or Remember your Christmas Box: Being a delightful New Book of marry Jest, rare Inventions, pretty Conceits, Christmas Carols, pleasant Tales, and witty Verses, written by Lawrence Price, who wishes well to all those who bear goodwill to Christmas Pye, Roast Beefe, Plum Porridge and Stronge Beere." The collector who chances to light upon a copy of Price's merry production may count himself to have found a Christmas box, indeed; for it is now extremely rare and valuable.
The Irish Times, December 16th, 1930