Early American Christmas - Softcover

DePaola, Tomie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0823409791 ISBN 13: 9780823409792

Publisher: Holiday House, 1992

Synopsis

The inhabitants of a New England village never make much fuss about Christmas until a new family moves in and celebrates the holiday in a special way

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

DePaola begins with a historical note that surely will intrigue children: in Colonial New England, the celebration of Christmas was shunned in many villages. He depicts the arrival of a German family into one such town, showing their careful, loving preparations. Their efforts begin in autumn, when bayberries are picked and candles made; they continue throughout the fall, until apples are dried and strung, cookies and pretzels are baked, "hearts of man" and other paper ornaments are snipped and, finally, candles are lit in every window. This provides a fascinating look at Christmas as it once was: a holiday whose customs were entwined with the season's natural bounty. The emphasis is on the joys of preparation and of quiet, heartfelt observance; refreshingly, gift-giving is not a concern. This is a warm and beautifully realized tribute to the spirit and traditions of the season. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Holiday House
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0823409791
• ISBN 13: 9780823409792
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32