Customer Reviews

American Christmas

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South Carolina-based author/artist Jim Harrison has contributed a charming book on the origins of America's most cherished Christmas symbols and customs. Short enough to be read in one sitting and written in simple language appealing to young and old alike, "American Christmas" is a handsome book as well; its 9 1/4" x 10 1/2" size and attractive dust jacket make it a welcome addition to any coffee table during the holiday season. In this tribute to America's favorite holiday, Mr. Harrison writes movingly on the evolution of Christmas in the United States as seen from the different symbols of the season: the first Christmas; Christmas in the New World; trees; holly, ivy, and mistletoe; Santa Claus; toys; firecrackers; cards; candles, hearths, and Yule logs; music; food; charities; and New Year's Day. Adding extensively to the moving narrative is a series of splendid full-color illustrations of country Christmas/winter scenes and Yuletide symbols by the author himself. I would think it was no little task for Mr. Harrison to combine all his research into a relatively brief text, but he succeeded in profiling effectively the background behind the symbols of Christmas. In comparison to Earl W. Count's book "4000 Years of Christmas: A Gift from the Ages" (which I have reviewed in this catalog), "American Christmas" also profiles the pagan winter festivals from which Christmas adopted certain customs and symbols, yet does a much better job placing the Nativity of Christ as the ultimate winter celebration superior to and notwithstanding its pagan forerunners of 2000 years before. At the end of the book's inspiring Epilogue, Mr. Harrison wishes "a Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year" followed by his signature; I gladly reciprocate his sentiments.