The Christmas Book: The History, Traditions, and Customs of Everyone's Favorite Holiday

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About this item

Nothing warms the heart like Christmastime. All of us have precious memories of yuletide cheer, from the excitement of anticipation to the frenzy of preparations to the heartfelt family moments. Buoyed by the “contagious joy” of Christmas among his congregations in Buffalo and Boston, Fr. Francis X. Weiser compiled a treasure trove of Christmas lore to enrich holiday celebrations for generations to come. Fr. Weiser, who was born in Austria and emigrated to the United States, had long been fascinated by American Christmas culture, which he saw as a consolidation of all the most beloved traditions from the nation’s diverse immigrant communities. He relied on interviews with parishioners, once-lost documents, and well-known material culture to get to the root of such cherished customs as Nativity plays, gift giving, and Christmas caroling. In addition to exploring the cultural origins of beloved Christmas traditions, Fr. Weiser reveals their spiritual significance and explains their symbolism, including: Why the first Christmas Mass is at midnight The beginnings of Christmas caroling and the stories behind beloved carols How Christmas lights represent Christ, the Light of the World The true Christian origin of the Christmas tree, and the connection between the evergreen and eternal life How various cultures honor St. Nicholas How pre-Christian traditions gained new significance in light of the Incarnation Fr. Weiser considered holiday celebrations at home a “radiation of the liturgy,” a beautiful opportunity to cultivate the domestic church in family life. Packed with historical and liturgical references, literary excerpts, and charming anecdotes, this book will become a family favorite that’s revisited year after year in homes that welcome it. Join Fr. Weiser as he embarks on a tour of the jubilant celebrations that manifests the sublimity of the Incarnation in the American melting pot, from sea to shining sea.
ASIN: B0D6M4MTN4
VSKU: DBV.B0D6M4MTN4.A
Condition: Acceptable
Author/Artist:Weiser, Fr. Francis X.
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: This copy has clearly been enjoyed—expect noticeable shelf wear and some minor creases to the cover. Binding is strong, and all pages are legible. May contain previous library markings or stamps.
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  • Used - Very Good: Item may have minor cosmetic defects (marks, wears, cuts, bends, crushes) on the cover, spine, pages or dust cover. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may contain remainder marks on outside edges, which should be noted in listing comments. Item may be missing bundled media. 
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. Gently used ex-library books with library stickers and markings may be classified as good. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media. 
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

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