{"product_id":"the-world-encyclopedia-of-christmas","title":"The World Encyclopedia of Christmas","description":"\u003cp\u003eAt last  a truly comprehensive look at Christmas and all of its customs with its long history around the world. The World Encyclopedia of Christmas contains articles on the history of Christmas baking  drinking  and merrymaking  and Christmas dramas  music  literature  art  and films. It includes entries on the evolution of the Christmas tree and the Christmas card  gift-giving  and decoration of church and home. There are profiles of the many gift-bringers  from Santa Claus to Babouschka  and miraculous tales of the numerous saints associated with the season. And there are histories of seasonal celebrations and folk customs around the world  from the United States to Japan  from Egypt to Iceland.  Who  for example  knew the links between the Punch and Judy show and Christmas? That the medieval Paradise tree hung with tempting apples was the forerunner of the Christmas tree? About the Peerie Guizers  who terrorized the Shetland Islands  going door-to-door for Christmas charity? Or what Freudians make of our interest in Christmas stockings and Santas entrance through the chimney? There are detailed accounts of Wren Boys and Star Boys  mumming and wassailing  the Feast of Fools and the origins of eggnog. And of course stories of the Nativity and legends of the Magi.  With beautifully illustrated accounts ranging from the pagan roots of Yuletide  through the birth of Christ  and the long and fascinating history of the festival ever since  The World Encyclopedia of Christmas  is a rich and continually surprising array of religious and secular history  trivia  literature  and art. This wonderful book deserves to find a home with every family that celebrates Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44952676106293,"sku":"ByrdShop_0771015356","price":24.82,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780771015359.jpg?v=1770818450","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-world-encyclopedia-of-christmas","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}