Holly, Reindeer, and Colored Lights: The Story of the Christmas Symbols

by Edna Barth, Ursula Arndt (Illustrator)

Traces the origins of our favorite holiday customs and symbols, many of which antedate the first Christmas.

Each of our holidays has its own familiar Trick-or-treating on Halloween, eating turkey on Thanksgiving, waiting for Santa Claus on Christmas, exchanging cards on Valentine’s Day. But where do these customs come from, when did they begin, and why do we continue to observe them?

In the engaging blend of careful research and lively prose that has earned her books a lasting place on the holiday bookshelf, Edna Barth explores the multicultural origins and evolution of the familiar and not-so-familiar symbols and legends associated with our favorite holidays. Full of fascinating historical details and little-known stories, these books are both informative and engaging. Festively illustrated by Ursula Arndt, they are now available again in hardcover as well as paperback editions, featuring new, eye-catching jacket designs, and fun holiday activities inside the paperback covers. Each book includes an annotated list of holiday stories and poems and an index.

Genres: Christmas, History, Nonfiction, Holiday

96 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1979

Reviews

[Stacy]

A good primer for children to learn the origins/meanings of many traditional Christmas symbols. Informative.

[Jessica]

Very informative. Was very interesting! 💚❤️💚❤️💚❤️💚❤️💚

[Lara H.]

Very informative, magical and fun! I loved the historical facts!!

[Cherri]

Just a quick read on Christmas traditions. Interesting.

[Mother Goose Librarian]

This was a fun read, where I learned about the origins of Christmas celebrations and traditions associated with it.

[Jennifer Dines]

Holly, Reindeer, and Colored Lights is part of a series of holiday books written by Edna Barth. Intended for the middle grades, but engaging for adults as well, it shows the evolution of Christmas symbols from Pre-Christianity onwards. For example, bringing a tree into one's home was done by the ancient Egyptians who celebrated the Festival of Isis in late December, when people brought palm branches indoors. Or the roots of Santa Claus - Scandinavian God Odin, who rode through the world at mid-winter on his 8-footed horse, bringing reward or punishment. I used this book to create a Jeopardy game for my family on Christmas, which was a hit!

[Michele]

It was not a super in depth book, it was from the Children's section, but it gave enough information so that I know where a lot of symbols came from and I know where to look if I want more information. Great overview and worth the quick read.

[Julie Barrett]

very detailed info

[Eunys]

A bit dated.

[Sylvia]

Books like this are available for every major holiday. I love the quick, concise explanations.

[Angie]

I thought this would be way more engaging than it was. Some interesting tidbits, but rather dull. Glad I read this on my own and didn’t attempt it with the kids.

[Lauren Sparks]

#74 of 2018