Christmas

by Alice K. Flanagan, Viki Woodworth (Illustrator)

32 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Alice K. Flanagan has written books on many subjects. Exploring Parks with Ranger Dockett is just one of her books about jobs. Many children enjoy her books about birds. She has also written books telling about different Native American groups.

Reviews

[Jessica McDaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas by Alice Flanagan is a very nice, kid-friendly book on the history of Christmas. I wish the author would have been a little more creative on the title of the book but the topic is overall on Christmas. I like how she tells the Christian's story of Christmas but also included how other cultures celebrate it as well. It is important for kids to be educated on how different parts of the world celebrate a holiday. I also enjoyed Viki Woodworth's pictures in the book because it created a certain type of feel for the whole book. Flanagan included and index and glossary which are both very helpful tools for children to use. Overall, I think this would be a great book to read to your child or even a whole class.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bad: The book book makes Christmas trees sound like a Christian invention. The information about Russia is also off. I corrected it on the spot when talking to my kid and told him about Dede Moroz and presents on the new year. I also told him trees were part of the Pagan celebration of Yule that predated Christianity.

The good: The book was a nice condensed and kid friendly history of Christmas. I love how it addressed Saturnalia and Christian traditions.

I had been looking for a book that would help him understand the Christian story of Christmas. He has heard bits and pieces at our UU church, but I am not too sure how much he got. This book did a great job.

The funny thing: The bit about Santa was quite skeptically worded. The wording did not sink in with my kid. He is still very sure there is a Santa.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting history of Christmas and many the traditions that we follow. While it is very good, it may create questions for some including those who still believe in Santa and extremely religious who have set beliefs.