The Book of the Year


Book Description

Halloween, Valentine's Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day - these are but a handful of modern holidays descended from the red-letter days, seasonal celebrations we have invented and reinvented over more than five millennia to meet our changing human needs. When we explore their origins, the holidays begin to reflect not only who we are but also why, through oppressed by time and thwarted by the forces of nature, we never seem to lose the will to control the future.




Celebrations; the Complete Book of American Holidays


Book Description

Cultural and historical background and traditions of forty-five major American holidays, both secular and religious, Christian and Jewish.




Our Holidays


Book Description

Contains stories and poetry on our holidays and annual celebrations, from Haloween to the Fourth of July.




Holidays on Display


Book Description

For millions of people the world over, the annual visit to a department store to view the festive window displays and visit Santa in his winter wonderland is a treasured holiday tradition. In America, the Thanksgiving holiday is almost inconceivable without Macy's annual parade. But how did holiday traditions like this begin? Who are the behind-the-scenes magicians that conjure up this unique blend of imagination, showmanship, and salesmanship? Holidays on Display is a comprehensive overview of the art and industry of the holiday display. Author William L. Bird, Jr., traces its evolution as holiday decorations moved from shop windows to building exteriors and out into the street in the form of parade floats. In this fascinating and colorful history we are introduced to turn-of-the-century "trimmers" hiredby merchants to maintain product displays, and we marvel as advances in lighting, animation, and miniaturization lead to the incredible feats of creative self-expression practiced by today's window artists. Packed with rarely seen photographs and ephemera, Holidays on Display makes it easy to see why we have such lasting emotional attachments to animated Christmas windows, passing parades, and the ambient glow of holiday lights.




How to Ruin the Holidays


Book Description

After a disastrous family Thanksgiving, all I wanted was to avoid anything holly and jolly this year, so an unexpected business trip seemed like the perfect escape plan . . . until I landed smack dab in the middle of a freaking winter wonderland, otherwise known as Carole Cove, Montana. It's merrier and brighter than the North Pole. The town even comes with its own Mr. Holiday-Noel Holiday, that is. Not only is he holly and jolly but he's hotter than the lattes he sells at his café. And for some reason he would love nothing more than to share the magic of the season with me. Unfortunately, this little trip of mine isn't exactly filled with good cheer. But Noel's kisses have a way of making me believe in Christmas miracles. And a miracle might be exactly what it takes to keep the holidays from being ruined forever. "Merry Christmas to me! I'm still swooning! Five beautiful stars!" -Jennifer Peel, USA Today Bestselling Author




Home for the Holidays


Book Description

"Sara Richardson writes unputdownable, unforgettable stories from the heart" in this emotional holiday novel, where three sisters have one last Christmas to confront their pasts before their lives change forever (Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author). The Buchanan sisters all share special childhood memories of their Aunt Sassy's beloved Juniper Inn. There, they frolicked in the snow, baked sugar cookies, and celebrated the town's annual Christmas extravaganza. They haven't been back to Colorado in nearly fifteen years, but when their aunt invites them for one last Christmas, they can't say no . . . With her ex-husband whisking her children away for the holiday, Dahlia decides it's time to do something for herself. Juniper Springs is just as beautiful as she remembers, but it's also full of surprises -- including the town's handsome doctor, who makes her feel like herself again for the first time in years. To the outside world, baker Magnolia has the ideal marriage. Only the pain and sorrow of infertility have strained her relationship with her husband, perhaps beyond repair. But a holiday miracle is about to change her life. After a whirlwind romance, youngest sister Rose is about to be married, but as the wedding draws near, she's unsettled by her fiancé's expectations that she become a society wife. Spending Christmas with her family could be a necessary reality check -- or the beginning of a brand-new happily ever after. Thanks to the strength of their sisterhood, some mistletoe, and the love of their Aunt Sassy, the Buchanan sisters will discover what it is they truly want this Christmas.




Home for the Holidays


Book Description

There's no place like home for the holidays! Join in a special Sesame Street celebration in this all-new multicultural book for kids that makes a perfect stocking stuffer gift! No matter what holidays you celebrate during the most wonderful time of the year, love, family, togetherness, and giving are universal. In this diversity book for kids, share in the joy with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and more friends with festivities on Sesame Street! From Thanksgiving and Eid al-Fitr, to Chinese New Year, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Christmas, and New Year's, this special picture book is a heartfelt celebration of different cultures and holidays from around the world. Featuring new and international Sesame Street characters, this sweet story proves that the things everyone cherishes are the same...because there's no place like home for the holidays. Why readers love Home for the Holidays: Parents, grandparents, and teachers will enjoy reading this festive, multicultural book with children Ideal holiday gift and novelty stocking stuffer for kids ages 3-7—perfect for anyone looking for Ramadan books or Christmas or Hanukkah gifts for kids Features new and international Sesame Street characters including Tamir, Chamki, Lily the Tiger, Gabrielle, Pino, Boombah, and more! Learn about the special traditions of each holiday with bonus educational content in the back, perfect for classrooms and at-home learning! Screen-free fun for children




The Mythology of America's Seasonal Holidays


Book Description

Every year we celebrate a cycle of seasonal holidays. The ancient Greeks called this cycle “The Dance of the Horae,” after the mythical divinities who represented the seasons. What myths sit at the foundation of our own holiday celebrations? This interdisciplinary book explores the myths and symbols that underlie our major seasonal holidays and give them their meaning. Arthur George also shows how America’s own mythmaking has shaped some holidays. This mythological approach reveals how and why holidays arose in the first place, how and why they have changed over the centuries, why they have remained important, and finally how we can celebrate them today in a more meaningful manner that can enrich our lives and better our society. George devotes particular attention to the depth psychological aspects of holidays and their corresponding myths, as well as to the insights of modern biblical scholarship for key holidays such as Easter and Christmas.




Our Holidays. Their Meaning and Spirit; retold from St. Nicholas


Book Description

In 'Our Holidays. Their Meaning and Spirit; retold from St. Nicholas' Various authors delve into the significance and traditions behind popular holidays. The book explores the cultural and historical background of each holiday, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the rituals and customs associated with these special days. Written in a clear and engaging style, the book offers a comprehensive overview of different holidays, from Christmas to Thanksgiving, highlighting their unique meanings and spiritual essence. Each chapter is rich in detail, making it a valuable resource for those interested in holiday traditions. Various authors blend storytelling with informative content, creating a captivating read that bridges the gap between cultural studies and folklore. This book is a must-read for anyone curious about the origins and practices surrounding holidays. It offers a fresh perspective on familiar celebrations and invites readers to reflect on the deeper meanings behind these traditions.




Hosting the Holidays


Book Description

I love celebrating the holidays just as much as others. This book was started for some time back while doing my research on the holidays. I was at the library reading up to get my citizenship, and the idea came up as I was researching on this great country's presidents. The idea was to write a cookbook, but I didn't have any idea how to start. But as time went by, it was clear to me that it was time to start writing. As a foreigner, not knowing the norms or what to do, I had a professor-who wrote many books on the Latin language-help me, and he was the person who inspired me in writing a book. Thanks to all of you who will be cooking from this book.