Emyl Jenkins' Southern Christmas

by Emyl Jenkins

Just what makes a Southern Christmas so special? Is it the festiveness of the South's acclaimed hospitality? What accounts for its unmistakable charm? Emyl Jenkins writes that the answer lies in the South's rich traditions and heritage. For Christmas in the South is not just a day -- it is a season. All other seasons pale before the joys of Christmas as it has been observed through the centuries, from the Colonial days to the Civil War to the present. Christmas traditions in the South are deeply cherished, but you don't have to be Southern born and bred to enjoy a Southern Christmas.

In Southern Christmas, Emyl Jenkins offers the timeless stories and histories, the sentimental lore and celebrations inherent to the region. In these pages are heartwarming and cheerful accounts that will bring smiles and gentle memories of your own Christmases to mile-high stacks of grandmother's best china taken down from pantry shelves for yuletide parties and scrumptious meals...magnolia boughs, longleaf pine, red-berried hollies, and deep green boxwood gathered for wreaths and garlands. Indeed, decorations on Southern doors, windows, even tucked-away niches turn every scene into Christmas cards to greet friends and strangers alike.

Southern Christmas is a book you will cuddle up with by the fire and read aloud to your family. Emyl Jenkins takes you on a Southern Christmas journey from Maryland to Texas with more than 250 stunningfull-colorphotographs. She visits private homes, museums and restorations, grand hotels, and charming inns in her chapters on Southern Christmas trees, decorations, food, parties, weddings, gifts, and music. Woven through the text are Emyl's "Gifts to the Reader," providing beautiful decorating and luscious recipe ideas to brighten every home at Christmas. Emyl invites you into her home for Christmas dinner, takes you on a colorful tour of Opryland, and on a leisurely stroll in historic Williamsburg.

Emyl Jenkins' Southern Christmas is a Christmas treasure dedicated to all who share the joy, the mirth, and the love of the season.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published September 5, 1992

About the author

Emyl Jenkins of Richmond, Virginia, born Mary Louise Joslin, was an internationally known antiques appraiser, prolific writer and author, and engaging speaker. She was a graduate of Mary Washington College and held a Masters in English from the University of Virginia. She was involved with many arts and cultural activities including the Library of Virginia, Virginia Governor's Mansion Citizen Advisory Committee, Garden Club of Virginia, James River Writers, Virginia Press Women, North Carolina Ballet, and the Arts Council of North Carolina State University.

She worked at two auction houses and wrote numerous books and articles on antiques, as well as a syndicated column. Jenkins's first antiques book, Why You're Richer Than You Think (later reissued as Emyl Jenkins' Appraisal Book) landed her a 3-day stint on Good Morning, America. She was the author of Emyl Jenkins’ Southern Christmas, The Book of American Traditions, and From Storebought to Homemade, among others.

A lady of superior accomplishments, Emyl brought happiness to the many people she encountered throughout her distinguished career. Emyl requested that her friends "think happy thoughts."

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book on Southern traditions. Enjoyed it so much, I bought a copy.