"Behind every Christmas tradition is a story - usually, a forgotten one. Each year, as we decorate a tree, build a gingerbread house, and get ready for a visit from St. Nicholas, we're continuing generations-old narratives, while being largely unaware of their starting chapters. But knowing how these traditions began adds a new level of depth to our Christmas spirit, as well as an arsenal of anecdotes to share at Christmas parties. Christmas Past:...

Every December millions of people all over the world wait for the twenty-fifth day of the month. They are looking forward to Christmas, one of the most celebrated holidays of the year. This heavily illustrated volume explores the holiday's rich history, as well as various ways it is celebrated around the world. Readers will have a chance to prepare a gingerbread recipe and create a reindeer ornament craft.

A nostalgic look at Christmas in the mid-twentieth century.

Stories, poems, carols (with music), recipes and recollections of Christmas by world-famous authors, with 95 illustrations by Norman Rockwell, including 83 in full color.

A collection of beloved holiday recipes and stories interspersed with cherished family photographs. Included are Paula's most requested homemade gifts of food; a collection of cookies sure to become your family's favorites; easy dishes for a Christmas breakfast or brunch that will let you enjoy the food and your guests; impressive fare for Christmas dinner and holiday entertaining and, of course, spectacular cakes, puddings, pies, and other sweet...

A collection of recipes, poems, and anecdotes of country and farm living focusing on the Christmas season.

A heartwarming Civil War tale bound to become an American holiday classicIn the winter of 1862, during the seemingly endless nightmare of the Civil War, a small miracle occurred. Just after Christmas, on the eve of the bloody battle of Stones River in Tennessee, the Union and Confederate armies set up camp within shouting distance of one another. To raise their spirits, they began a volley of patriotic tunes-"Yankee Doodle" drowned out by "Dixie."...

Americans who complain about the modern-day commercialization of Christmas may be surprised to discover that dissatisfaction with the way the holiday has been observed is by no means a new phenomenon. In 1659 the Massachusetts General Court declared the celebration of Christmas to be a criminal offense. What the Puritans were trying to suppress was a season of excess rooted in the ancient agricultural cycle - rowdy public displays of eating and drinking,...