Why We Kiss Under the Mistletoe: Christmas Traditions Explained

by Michael P. Foley

From the famed author of international bestseller Drinking with the Saints, every Christmas tradition explained and celebrated, as well as a glimpse into all the sometimes macabre and always fascinating nooks and crannies of the holiday. Deepen your knowledge of and love for Christmas!

The definitive guide to every question you’ve had about the Christmas holiday—and many more you’ve never thought to ask!

In Why We Kiss Under the Mistletoe, bestselling author Michael Foley dives deep into the history of Christmas and the customs that surround this beloved holiday. Learn about the fascinating origins of your favorite Christmas food, drink, observances, and songs. Discover how Saint Nicolas, a fourth-century Catholic bishop, became Santa Clause and who Santa’s global competitors are (some of them will shock you). And dig into the forbidden history of the Yuletide season’s dark and ghoulish side.

Witty, imaginative, and wholly unique, Why We Kiss Under the Mistletoe is the stocking stuffer that will be revisited every year.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christmas, History, Audiobook

Audio CD

Published August 9, 2022

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected a compilation that was light and fun, but this was a really thorough almost scholarly tome delving into the historical aspects of all things Christmas. The information is well-researched and often interesting, but the delivery was not engaging for me and the content sometimes became heavy and dull making it hard to truly stay focused. I wish the print version had been available to me as then I could have selected the sections that were most interesting to me first, and then read as much or as little as I chose. It was too much information for this casual reader, but it would be a great read for those with serious and academic interest.

[Sarah Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This non-fiction book methodically details numerous Christmas traditions from around the world, providing their biblical background, origins, and the way they have evolved over time until today. Foley covers a plethora of topics from the Biblical origins of Christmas, decorations, gift giving, Santa Claus, food, music, and much more.

This was a very dry text and read almost more like an encyclopedia of Christmas facts rather than a narrative history of Christmas traditions. I went in expecting it to be more a lighthearted description and history of Christmas celebrations, but the text spent a lot of time speaking about Biblical technicalities and grounding in historical context.

Sometimes I felt like the author tried too hard to include contemporary references. For instance, portrayals of Christmas on the show The Office were described as a modern-day interpretation of Christmas traditions. It just seemed unnecessary when this was supposed to be more a of a historical overview.

I did learn some things from reading this book, but it was rather large in scope and reads more like a bulleted list of facts rather than a narrative history of Christmas.

[Scott Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Working through the chapters was difficult, and I eventually had to give up because there was no central story pushing the reader on. Instead, it was more like a reference book of Christmas traditions throughout the centuries. It could be useful to Christian workers who might insert an anecdote into homilies or sermons. But for the general reader, it was not at all gripping and seemed instead pedantic. I usually finish books cover-to-cover, but this one was not worth the effort, at least from the first seven chapters.

[Nilah Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cool book! It felt more like an encyclopedia, though. One that you might look through the headings and see what you’re interested in. Not like a sit down book. I heard about this book on a podcast with Janet Parshall and was hooked by the topics. Great way to understand the history of the traditions of Christmas and the beauty of celebrating (almost any) holiday with Christian perspective.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting a fairly light read here but this actually went quite deep and thorough. Very enjoyable!

[Katherine Helm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information! However, it was read more like a textbook, so it wasn’t the easiest to get through.

[Meredith Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the information that this book was able to pull together. Clearly well researched, there was such a depth to the content discussed, and yet I felt it all was covered so well and with brevity. I found it a little repetitive, but that seemed intentional for people who use the book as a reference for information about a particular tradition etc. rather than reading it all through like I did. I feel the other comments are correct in that it is more an encyclopedia/bullet list of information but based on the title and introduction it was exactly what I expected. I dont know how or why he would have attatched a narrative to this. I liked that it introduced the reader to so much and yet left room for further research in the reader's part. Foley does a good job of bringing in humor/modern comparisons and bringing together facts, stories, and history so beautifully and pulling from a wide array of sources.

[tapewitch · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my least favorite of the Christmas books I’ve read. It was more overtly Christian and less kitschy. Includes the myth that enslaved people in the US were granted vacation time while the Yule log burned, plus romanticization of slavery in Ancient Rome on Saturnalia. I’d instead recommend Brian Earl’s book for better research and more fun.

[Emily Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok. There were nuggets that were interesting, but overall, I was counting down the minutes until it was over. I regretted my decision to start this book almost immediately. The last several chapters seemed very repetitive.

[Kristy G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great listen. So many facts may be dry reading. I found it very entertaining to learn about the traditions all over the world

[AnnieM · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much trivia. Loved it

[Anna Zemek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but reads more like a dissertation than light read.

[Emily at Reaching While Rooted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun and informative information of Christmas traditions around the world. Ever wonder why animal crackers have a string on the box? They used to be hung on the Christmas tree as a treat.

[Deedee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to audio on my Kindle.

[JP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and informative. I feel like a learned a lot. Didn't love how the author wrote as only Christian Americans were reading it as I'm neither, but ignoring that a solid little Christmas book.

[Rose Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An extensive compilation of everything Christmas: all customs from how they began to how they are celebrated in different countries.

[Riley Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and exciting book! I read it in one sitting and learned so much!