Review by Booklist Review
Young readers may be surprised to know that Norse god Thor, whose chariot was pulled by goats, may be one of the inspirations for the Santa they know, with his flying reindeer. That's why the Yule goat is the symbol of the Christmas season in Nordic countries. This and many other Christmas rituals from around the world, from antiquity to today, are explored in this informative book written by a mother-daughter duo. It describes Christmas' origin as a midwinter festival in ancient times, the religious significance of Christmas to Christians, the ban that occurred during the Protestant Reformation, and present-day celebrations worldwide. It touches upon Advent wreaths, the Yule log (and app), Christmas trees and carols, mistletoe, poinsettias, presents, cards, the online Santa tracker, and other names that Santa goes by around the world. The authors and others reminisce about their own Christmas celebrations at home and abroad. Color photographs, recipes, and extensive back matter enhance the text. Fun-filled, with fascinating facts that will appeal to young readers.--Sharon Rawlins Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Horn Book Review
Starting with the pre-Christian Midwinter celebrations that preceded it in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, this is an informative history of the Christian holiday that is now celebrated in many parts of the world. The narrative is well illustrated with color photos and sprinkled with the authors' own stories and the Christmas memories of their family and friends. Several recipes are also included. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Readers so inclined can celebrate Christmas anytime with this overview of the holiday's traditions from past to present. This exploration of Christmas traditions is separated into three chapters, with accounts from the mother-daughter authorial duo's personal celebrations interspersed throughout. The first chapter follows Christmas' origins as a non-Christian early midwinter celebration. Readers learn about ancient Rome's Saturnalia and ancient Greece's celebration of Dionysus' birth. Further travels in the Northern Hemisphere introduce readers to Jesus' birth and the spread of Christianity throughout Europe and beyond. Despite the Puritans' attempts to cancel Christmas, it "bounces back." The book's second chapter then goes on to chronicle the evolution of modern-day Christmas. The third chapter looks at festivities around the world in a smattering of countries in Asia, South America, Central America, Africa, and Oceania. The large, glossy photos (some from the authors' lives) show a welcome range of racial representation. Sidebars provide some helpful context and interesting asides, including a handful of recipes. The conversational tone is as delightful and jovial as Santa Claus himself. Unfortunately, that results in a rose-colored view of the spread of Christianity, noting that it simply "traveled along with" colonists. An adequate survey of the holiday in a pretty package, made a bit more special with its personal touches. (glossary, resources, index) (Nonfiction. 9-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
