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The Christmas Plains
A well-respected writer and editor's memoir of childhood Christmases set in the sometimes harsh but always captivating landscape of South Dakota.
Wreaths and holly, fruitcakes and mistletoe, ornaments and snowflakes, St. Nick and Scrooge's humbug, Joseph and Mary, a young child in a manger and magi from the East. These words automatically stir up the season of Christmas and invoke memories of family and friends and hope and faith. By turns sweet and comic, sentimental and serious, the former editor of First Things magazine shares his reflections of the mad joys and wild emotions of the season while growing up on the South Dakota plains.
Wreaths and holly, fruitcakes and mistletoe, ornaments and snowflakes, St. Nick and Scrooge's humbug, Joseph and Mary, a young child in a manger and magi from the East. These words automatically stir up the season of Christmas and invoke memories of family and friends and hope and faith. By turns sweet and comic, sentimental and serious, the former editor of First Things magazine shares his reflections of the mad joys and wild emotions of the season while growing up on the South Dakota plains.
212 pages, Hardcover
First published November 30, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 3, 2012
This was a First read give away from Goodreads. I found this book was not the usual Christmas book that I have read before of Christmas. This book was about the author's memories of his childhood at Christmas time growing up in South Dakota. Of family, receiving toys, and gatherings of everyone getting together.
I found this a fast read and well written short story. It brought memories of Christmas time as a child and the fun that Christmas brought with family and friends. He brought hummer and the lost memories of Christmas passes. Did find it quite an interesting story as he tells of his memories of Christmas and how they where celebrated as a child and young adult.
The author gave us a book about the fun of the Christmas season but also a reminder that Christmas is not all about getting things and the glitter we seem to make of it today. Thou he does reminded us that back then times where much more simpler and it centered around family and the meaning of what the Christmas season stood for. It was nice to see a change in the usual Christmas book.
I found this a fast read and well written short story. It brought memories of Christmas time as a child and the fun that Christmas brought with family and friends. He brought hummer and the lost memories of Christmas passes. Did find it quite an interesting story as he tells of his memories of Christmas and how they where celebrated as a child and young adult.
The author gave us a book about the fun of the Christmas season but also a reminder that Christmas is not all about getting things and the glitter we seem to make of it today. Thou he does reminded us that back then times where much more simpler and it centered around family and the meaning of what the Christmas season stood for. It was nice to see a change in the usual Christmas book.
November 16, 2012
If you are already tired of Christmas ads beginning around Halloween and stories of people being trampled to death at Target and WalMart during "Black Friday" sales, this little book may help get you in the holiday spirit. Christmas just doesn't seem the same to me anymore. Perhaps its because I am fast approaching my 65th birthday. Maybe it is because paying less for that perfect gift has become the most important goal of the holidays. Anyway, if you want a quick journey back in time to when Christmas was exciting and fun, read this story.
A note of caution: I could tell the author was a bit younger than I as he talked about setting up the slot car track under the tree. No one had heard of slot cars when I was a little kid and the only thing under the tree besides presents was a Lionel (or maybe American Flyer) electric train.
A note of caution: I could tell the author was a bit younger than I as he talked about setting up the slot car track under the tree. No one had heard of slot cars when I was a little kid and the only thing under the tree besides presents was a Lionel (or maybe American Flyer) electric train.
October 10, 2013
I enjoyed it, interesting take on childhood Christmas' in South Dakota, with commentary on life and a Good News message.
January 11, 2018
I enjoyed the beginning and especially the ending of the book but got a little bogged down in the middle!
December 21, 2022
Oh what a delight, a book that brings me back toy own childhood memories of growing up on the Alberta prairies (somewhat close to South Dakota) topographically in any case.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author weaved the story of the Nativity throughout the book like small bread crumbs leading us back to the true and profound message of God with us, Immanuel.
Certainly a book to add to my Christmas reads.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author weaved the story of the Nativity throughout the book like small bread crumbs leading us back to the true and profound message of God with us, Immanuel.
Certainly a book to add to my Christmas reads.
February 13, 2018
This is a collection of essays Joseph Bottum has written about Christmas and his thoughts on it. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 17, 2022
I was slogging through and finding this book dry until I arrived at the passages about wrapping paper and Christmas books.
January 26, 2024
"Christmas isn't a day or even a season. It isn't a symbol for our better feelings, or the sentimental sum of our memories. It isn't a celebration, and it isn't an anniversary....
...Oh, in a certain sense, it is all of those things - but it is always more, if only we open our eyes and see.
Christmas is the compass needle that points us toward God!"
Joseph Bottum, has summarized in those few words his intriguing treatise on Christmas better, I think, than any subsequent reader could.
Looking for something 'Christmas' to read that was out of the ordinary, my curiosity was piqued by the title "The Christmas Plains." ..and I was not disappointed!
Building his essay on a foundation of the dozens of terms, words, phrases, hymn lyrics, titles, passages of scripture etc... that we have relegated to use only in December (if at all;) and constructing above it walls of wonderful stories from his early days on the 'plains' of South Dakota, Bottum has thereby invited us to re-claim something that many of us have lost.
...Oh, in a certain sense, it is all of those things - but it is always more, if only we open our eyes and see.
Christmas is the compass needle that points us toward God!"
Joseph Bottum, has summarized in those few words his intriguing treatise on Christmas better, I think, than any subsequent reader could.
Looking for something 'Christmas' to read that was out of the ordinary, my curiosity was piqued by the title "The Christmas Plains." ..and I was not disappointed!
Building his essay on a foundation of the dozens of terms, words, phrases, hymn lyrics, titles, passages of scripture etc... that we have relegated to use only in December (if at all;) and constructing above it walls of wonderful stories from his early days on the 'plains' of South Dakota, Bottum has thereby invited us to re-claim something that many of us have lost.
October 26, 2012
The author,Joseph Bottum,along with his wife Lorena and daughter Faith,come back to Pierre, South Dakota , his hometown, for the summer.He has come full circle with his visit back,leaving the hustle and bustle of the East, if but for a short time. His childhood Christmas memories are easily conjured up even though they may be faded.He struggles to have the same level of feelings with these memories, but has a hard time to regain those feelings.
Further on, Mr. Bottum examines our current celebration of Christmas in reference to the church's celebration, and the reasoning for embracing the church's celebration.
The last few chapters go back to his Christmas memories, and in the end, he rightly states that "Christmas is the compass needle that points us toward God."
I enjoyed the book, but was a little confused as to why in the center of the book, he chose to go from his Christmas memories to the topic of our celebrations in comparison to the celebrations of the church, even though I fully understand the reference.
Thank you for the pleasure of reading your book!!
Further on, Mr. Bottum examines our current celebration of Christmas in reference to the church's celebration, and the reasoning for embracing the church's celebration.
The last few chapters go back to his Christmas memories, and in the end, he rightly states that "Christmas is the compass needle that points us toward God."
I enjoyed the book, but was a little confused as to why in the center of the book, he chose to go from his Christmas memories to the topic of our celebrations in comparison to the celebrations of the church, even though I fully understand the reference.
Thank you for the pleasure of reading your book!!
January 22, 2013
I know I'm a bit behind reviewing this. After all, nearly all the stores have replaced the reds and greens with pink hearts, chocolates, and mini heart shaped antacids. Le sigh, I'm always behind.
Anyways, this little collection of Christmas memories was cute and thoughtful and would have been much, much, more appropriate last month. Regardless, I found it cute, inspiring, and was glad that it looked past the consumerism of the holidays and went straight for the heart of the season. Joseph Bottum recalls his childhood Christmases spent in South Dakota and vividly brings alive a plethora of down home American traditions.
It's a fast read, there are a mere five chapters and there is no real organization or plot. It is a bunch of memories, stories, and traditions jumbled into one pocket sized book that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
I received this book for free from Waterbrook press in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
Anyways, this little collection of Christmas memories was cute and thoughtful and would have been much, much, more appropriate last month. Regardless, I found it cute, inspiring, and was glad that it looked past the consumerism of the holidays and went straight for the heart of the season. Joseph Bottum recalls his childhood Christmases spent in South Dakota and vividly brings alive a plethora of down home American traditions.
It's a fast read, there are a mere five chapters and there is no real organization or plot. It is a bunch of memories, stories, and traditions jumbled into one pocket sized book that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
I received this book for free from Waterbrook press in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
December 15, 2012
This was not a typical Christmas book. Nothing mushy about it, but plenty of sentimentality. It was a mixture of a Christmas memoir on South Dakota, a history book on Christmas and Christmas carols, a literature book, with a few person stories mixed in.
It was a First Reads giveaway book and one that I probably never would have picked up if I hadn't won it to begin with. But I suppose I'm glad that I did. I learned a few things. And the anecdotes which were often deeply steeped in history lessons gave me mixed emotions. Some left me smiling, others intrigued, while some just made me scratch my head.
Joseph Bottum is obviously a fantastic writer, though he is quite a columnist and sometimes that left me wondering what on earth the point was and why exactly we wanted his opinions or observations. But overall, it was enjoyable.
It was a First Reads giveaway book and one that I probably never would have picked up if I hadn't won it to begin with. But I suppose I'm glad that I did. I learned a few things. And the anecdotes which were often deeply steeped in history lessons gave me mixed emotions. Some left me smiling, others intrigued, while some just made me scratch my head.
Joseph Bottum is obviously a fantastic writer, though he is quite a columnist and sometimes that left me wondering what on earth the point was and why exactly we wanted his opinions or observations. But overall, it was enjoyable.
November 27, 2012
Joseph Bottum takes us on a Christmas journey to Pierre, South Dakota where he grew and passed through a number yuletide seasons. He tells us some funny incidents that occurred while he lived there with his parents and then brings into play things that happened to his own daughter, some of which occurred while living in New York City. He has laughable tales to tell of tinsel and vacuum cleaners and a not so laughable tale about a blizzard that came in 1888 and killed quite a few people, mostly children. But, all along the way he reminds us of what Christmas is truly about.
December 20, 2012
This is a book of Christmas refelections. The first recollection was of the author, his wife and daughter out cutting down a Chrsitmas Tree. My first thoughts were that this was gonna be too sickingly sweet for my taste but the author soon began to balance a sense of humor with his holiday rememberances.
December 30, 2012
I picked it up based on Ben Domenech's recommendation in his newsletter, The Transom. It was a pleasant recollection of Christmas in the Dakotas, reading more like an intertwined group of essays than a memoir. I enjoyed it, and may revisit it during another Christmastime.
December 31, 2012
More of a series of memories of Christmas' past than fictional stories, this selection of short essays made for good reading on a snowy December night.
January 16, 2013
A true wordsmith. It is a collection of works and stories, but it is a nice read.
January 2, 2013
I loved this book of essays. It's a very relfective book about Christmas and Advent.
December 16, 2024
Easy reading, providing some things to think about. I would read any future books he might write.
January 14, 2013
This was a short book, but took me a while to read because I couldn't get into it, it was slow and dry.
January 18, 2013
Decent book that mixes the authors reminisces of his childhood Christmases in South Dakota with a variety of other subjects such as the meaning or sounds of words and how we are captivated by them.
August 7, 2013
Lovely childhood memories of Christmas'past in South Dakota. They bring up sentimental memories of the same era no matter where you lived in the US. Lovely.
August 2, 2017
Beautifully written.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews