Book of Christmas

by Reader's Digest Association

Stories, historical facts, fantasy, and all around information related to Christmas.

Genres: Christmas, Reference, Collections

304 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 1991

About the author

The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. is a global media and direct marketing company based in Chappaqua, New York, best known for its flagship publication founded in 1922, Reader's Digest. The company's headquarters are in New York City, where it moved from Pleasantville, New York.

The company was founded by DeWitt and Lila Wallace in 1922 with the first publication of Reader's Digest magazine, but has grown to include a diverse range of magazines, books, music, DVDs and online content.

Reviews

[Lesle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Christmas stories and poems!

[Robbyn]

Pg 44

[Danielle Palmer]

DNF. I borrowed this for the stories, however many of the listed stories were actually Christmas carols. There may be a gem or two hidden among the rest, but after a handful of odd and mediocre I gave up.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read through this book every year and it always gets me in the Christmas spirit, even when I'm in Grinch mode!

[Chuck Engelhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Christmas and stories about Christmastime. Although quite dated, Reader's Digest put together a wonderful collection in this book of familiar classics as well as other stories previously unknown to me. I was curious about where many of the writings came from and fortunately there is a reference section which indicated the lesser known anecdotes were found in magazines such as Atlantic Monthly. The Christmas around the world section is quite likely out of date, but it's depiction of life in the 60's and 70's was a trip down memory lane for me. I picked this up last fall in a second hand book store for something like $6.00. I will never regret that impulse purchase.

[Judi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice mix of fact and fiction, how Christmas is practiced around the world or was fifty years ago. I especially enjoy the stories of Christmas told in the voices of the writers who give descriptions of their modest celebrations before Crassmas took complete control. Truman Copotes "A Christmas Memory" is especially poignant.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book years ago and finally found time to finish it. I like that it is a compilation of so many writings about Christmas. It contains well-known literature like The Gift of the Magi, A Christmas Carol, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and also lesser known tales, poems and folklore.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The copy of this I have belonged to my mother. I haven't read every single bit of it, but it's a lovely coffee table book to put out at the holidays.

[Mary Veritas]

I used to read this all of the time after my parents got this for free. It has a nice compilation of holiday favorites. It is perfect for light Christmas themed reading.

[Gig Wailgum · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great collection of Christmas stories and history. We had this for years in my parent's house and I finally read it. Really enjoyed Dicken's Christmas Carol.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this way back in the early '80's and absolutely enjoyed everything in it! A wonderful Christmas book GOOD for the whole year!

[Cws]

HC-Rea