In Christmas in Atlantic Canada, prolific folklorist David Goss traces the history of the holiday in our region, from its earliest celebration, quite possibly in 1604, to modern times. Using historical records, diaries, and old newspapers, he documents the fascinating narrative of how the occasion has been marked. This book will appeal to history buffs and lovers of all things holiday. Includes 25 images. Features a foreword by Gerry Bowler, author of Santa Claus, A Biography and The World Encyclopedia of Christmas.

"Without a thought for his own safety, he dashed back into the burning building. Smoke stung his eyes and flames singed his hair as he struggled through the blaze to the room where his Santa suit was stored." This book will be especially fascinating for all readers interested in: history human interest stories Christmas is a time for celebrating with friends and family and for sharing stories, memories, and good cheer. This compilation brings to life the very best holiday stories from across Atlantic Canada. From the early days of exploration to the modern day, and from heartwarming inspirational tales to dangerous escapades, this is a collection to treasure for many years to come.

Celebrate the holiday season with over twenty tales--true and make-believe--of Atlantic Canadian Christmases, past and present. Edited by Dan Soucoup (A Short History of Halifax), The Finest Tree showcases memories, traditions, and stories from all four Atlantic provinces. PEI's L. M. Montgomery brings Christmas to a group of train-bound strangers, while Gary L. Saunders turns to Christmastime to escape September writers' block in Newfoundl∧ Beatrice MacNeil details her magical journey to Christmas Mass in Cape Breton, while in rural New Brunswick Michael O. Nowlan and his father take their annual trip to town. Featuring these stories of homespun Christmas tradition and cheer from Atlantic Canada's finest authors, and plenty more, The Finest Tree will warm your heart on the coldest winter nights.

New Brunswickers saw their first live Santa, as played by Fredericton confectioner Charles A. Sampson, in December 1872. When Sampson died in 1929 in his ninetieth year, he was described by the local newspaper as "a grand old man." In the 1880s, the author writes, a tree in a store window would be enough to draw a large crowd, and sometimes special trains were provided to take passengers from one town to the other to see.In Christmas in Atlantic Canada, prolific folklorist David Goss traces the history of the holiday in our region, from its earliest celebration, quite possibly in 1604, to modern times. Using historical records, diaries, and old newspapers, he documents the fascinating narrative of how the occasion has been marked. This book will appeal to history buffs and lovers of all things holiday. Includes 25 images. Features a foreword by Gerry Bowler, author of Santa Claus, A Biography and The World Encyclopedia of Christmas.

The Winter House includes a delightful mix of fiction and memories about Christmas in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. These 20 stories showcase Christmas scenes past and present, real and imagined-a revelry with a gang of rowdy mummers; childhood memories of school Christmas concerts; the tale of New Brunswick's very first Santa Claus; and many more. Selected fiction and non-fiction includes stories by David Adams Richards, Ernest Buckler, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Gary L. Saunders, and many others, with a foreword by Bruce Nunn. The Winter House will bring yuletide cheer in the best Atlantic Canadian tradition.