“Pagan Romans started their midwinter celebrations with the feast of Saturnalia on 17 December, ending them with a new year festival, the Kalendae Januariae, at the start of January - both were celebrated with parties and the exchange of gifts.”

British academic, anatomist, archaeologist, TV presenter and author

Alice Roberts is a British academic, anatomist, archaeologist, television presenter and author. She was born in 1973 and is known for her work in science communication and public engagement, especially through her university role and her broadcasts. Since 2012, she has been professor of Public Engagement in Science at the University of Birmingham. She served as president of Humanists UK from January 2019 to May 2022 and remains a vice-president of the organisation.