Christmas Long Ago from A to Z

Lesley Shortt is an elementary-school teacher in Milton, Ontario.

The beginning of the new millennium is an appropriate time to reflect on
where and how our customs have evolved. This handsomely illustrated book
traces the history of Christmas, from its emergence in about the 4th
century AD to our modern-day traditions of Santa Claus and the North
Pole. Although the A to Z format makes the book most suitable as a
reference for individual items, it can be read and enjoyed sequentially.

Though the main focus is on North American traditions and tales, some
religious and international customs are touched on. For example, we
learn about the little-known tradition of the Spider Game: parents would
decorate the family tree with streamers whose ends would eventually lead
children to their hidden presents. Throughout the book, new vocabulary
words appear in boldface type and their definitions are found at the
back with the index. Recommended.