A good read on Christmas
Think of Christmas, and you’ll think of traditions. Family traditions. Cultural traditions. Religious traditions. Musical, literary and movie traditions. No other holiday carries with it such an abundance of decorations, songs and food, and depth of religious meaning as Christmas. These books help to explain the holiday of peace and joy, from Baby Jesus to old St. Nick.
“The Curious World of Christmas,” by Niall Edworthy (hardcover, Perigee, 2007, 190 pages, $16.95). As its subtitle tells, Edworthy’s book celebrates “All That Is Weird, Wonderful, and Festive” about the holiday. It is, says the publisher, “a treasury of amusing anecdotes, heartwarming stories, forgotten traditions” and other words that will transport readers back to Christmas past.
“Norman Rockwell’s Christmas Book,” edited by Molly Rockwell (hardcover, Harry N. Abrams, 2009, 224 pages, $24.95). This revised and updated version of the best-selling Christmas classic is the “ultimate holiday treasury,” and collects carols, Christmas stories, poems, recipes and timeless art by Rockwell — including eight frameable prints.
“Why Does Santa Wear Red? ... and 100 Other Christmas Curiosities Unwrapped,” by Meera Lester (softcover, Adams Media, 2007, 248 pages, $9.95). “Sure, you can sing all the verses to ‘Jingle Bells’ ... but how much do you really know about this cherished holiday?” this book asks. In “Why Does Santa Wear Red?” Lester provides pages of “merry morsels” that tell the story of Christmas and offer an often surprising history of its traditions.
“The Christmas Almanac,” edited by Natasha Tabori Fried and Lena Tabori (hardcover, Welcome Books, 2009, 240 pages; $27.50). Its publisher calls this text “part reference, part anthology, part cookbook, part history book, part songbook, part shopping guide, part crafts and part trivia book.” That’s a lot of parts, and they’re illustrated with 200 pieces of art. “Everything you need for a perfect holiday,” says its cover.
“A Family Christmas,” selected and introduced by Caroline Kennedy; illustrated by Jon J. Muth and Laura Hartman Maestro (hardcover, Hyperion, 2007, 334 pages, $26.95). Kennedy’s words offer a reason for collecting yuletide poetry, prose, Scriptural passages, lyrics and drawings. “The liturgy and literature of Christmas teaches us that Christmas ... represents the connection to something larger than ourselves."