Christmas traditions form the foundation of the holiday season—and this book considers the “story behind the story” for 40 favorite customs. Familiar things like Christmas trees, candy canes, Santa Claus, and lighting displays have little-known histories or deeper meanings that make them worthy of contemplation for those of us who celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The Top 40 Traditions of Christmas provides that intriguing information for the most beloved songs, movies, articles, characters, and activities of the season.

Christmas traditions form the foundation of the holiday season. 40 favorite customs show "story behind the story.O

Why do we decorate Christmas trees? Do all children receive gifts on the same day? Come find out as Monika Utnik-Strugala captures the smells, tastes, and unforgettable traditions about the most popular, exciting, contemplative, and unique Christmas customs and legends from around the world. Find out why celebrate Christmas on December 25th, who invented the first glass ornament, why people build nativity scenes, and more! A truly international collection of legends and traditions are included in the volume such as - Glögg, Kutia, Lutefisk, Jansson's Temptation, Julskinka, Bûche de Noël, Hallaca, Kourabiedes, Christmas Pudding, Panettone, Christmas carols, talking animals, and The Nutcracker!

Here readers will learn how to bring those warm traditions into their own homes, wherever they live. Included are instructions to make mulled wine, homemade peanut brittle, red candied apples, crisp pepparkakor, lightly browned Swedish meatballs, candles, wreaths, and more. Each recipe and project are accompanied by beautiful full-color photographs. From fashioning centerpieces to baking delicious cookies to hand-making Christmas tree ornaments, this book will inspire readers to rediscover the joys of a Scandinavian Christmas.

Inspire generosity and the spirit of Christmas in your child through this colorful picture book Christmas is a beautiful time of love and friendship, and it’s especially heart-warming when seen through the eyes of a child. In How to Celebrate Christmas!, author P.K. Hallinan explores the Christmas holiday from the first shopping trip of the season to spending time with friends and family on Christmas day. Throughout the story, children will learn that there is much more to Christmas than simply receiving presents. Hallinan brings the heart of Christmas alive by showing a child’s joy at wrapping gifts for loved ones, setting up the Nativity scene, and celebrating Christ’s birth with a Christmas Eve candlelight service. Simple words and bright illustrations add to the spirit of the season. Parents can depend on P.K. Hallinan to provide not only fun stories, but also teaching tools for their children. How to Celebrate Christmas! will not only get children excited for Christmas Day, but also help them more fully understand the true meaning of this most special of holidays.

A boy who really loves his Christmas tree finds a way to preserve its spirit year-round in this sweet and child-friendly holiday story. Fritz knows that the best parts of Christmas happen around the tree, whether decorating it with traditional and unexpected ornaments, sharing snacks, or opening presents. And Fritz gets to pick out the perfect tree: one that can be the centerpiece for his family’s celebrations, but can also make for good company when he needs some quiet time. But when Christmas is over and the tree begins to drop needles, Mom and Dad say it’s time to say good-bye. But Fritz isn’t ready to let his tree go. How can Fritz keep his Christmas tree—and the happiness gathered around it—with him all year through?

This classic Christmas coloring book offers 32 traditional illustrations to help you banish holiday stress & keep the true meaning of the season in your heart.