Holly, Reindeer and Colored Lights

by Edna Barth

Traces the origins of our favorite holiday customs and symbols, many of which antedate the first Christmas. "The well-written text is concise and interesting and the two-color marginal drawings are festive." -- Booklist

Genres: Christmas, History, Nonfiction, Holiday

96 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1979

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Lara H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Cherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a quick read on Christmas traditions. Interesting.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Jennifer Dines · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

very detailed info

[Eunys · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit dated.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

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