The World Encyclopedia of Christmas

The World Encyclopedia of Christmas provides a comprehensive reference guide to Christmas traditions, customs, and celebrations across cultures and time periods. This encyclopedia contains over 1,200 entries covering everything from ancient winter festivals to modern holiday practices. The book examines religious and secular aspects of Christmas, including art, music, literature, food, and folklore. Entries range from brief definitions to detailed explorations of major Christmas-related topics, supported by historical documentation and research. The encyclopedia format allows readers to navigate specific topics of interest while maintaining connections between related customs and beliefs. The text includes information about regional variations in Christmas celebrations from six continents. This work serves as both a scholarly resource and a reflection on how Christmas has evolved from its religious origins into a global cultural phenomenon that crosses geographic and religious boundaries. The encyclopedia format highlights the complexity and interconnectedness of Christmas traditions worldwide.

Readers describe this encyclopedia as a comprehensive reference covering Christmas traditions, customs, and history worldwide. It includes over 1,200 entries ranging from Christmas foods to cultural practices. Readers liked: - Well-researched historical details and origins - Global scope beyond just Western traditions - Inclusion of both religious and secular aspects - Clear explanations of unfamiliar customs - Useful bibliography for further reading Common criticisms: - Some entries lack depth - Occasional editorial errors - Limited illustrations - Index could be more detailed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (23 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) One reader noted it "fills gaps in knowledge about less familiar traditions," while another praised its "accessible writing style." A critical review mentioned "too much focus on North American customs." Several reviewers highlighted its value as a quick reference rather than an in-depth study.

The Oxford Handbook of Christmas by Mark Connelly This reference work presents scholarly research on Christmas traditions across time periods, cultures, and religious perspectives.

Christmas: A Biography by Judith Flanders The book traces Christmas from its pre-Christian roots through medieval times to modern celebrations with historical documentation and cultural analysis.

The Battle for Christmas by Stephen Nissenbaum A historical examination reveals how Christmas transformed from a carnival holiday to a family-centered celebration in America between 1800-1900.

Sacred Origins of Profound Things by Charles Panati The text includes research on Christmas along with origins of religious ceremonies, customs, and holidays across multiple faiths.

Christmas Customs and Traditions by Clement A. Miles This study presents the development of Christmas through European folk customs, religious practices, and ancient winter celebrations.

🎄 This encyclopedia contains over 1,200 entries covering Christmas traditions, celebrations, and customs from around the world. 🎄 Author Gerry Bowler is a Canadian historian who specializes in Christmas studies and taught at the University of Manitoba. He later wrote two more books about Christmas: "Santa Claus: A Biography" and "Christmas in the Crosshairs." 🎄 The book explores how Christmas has evolved from a purely religious celebration to become a major economic and cultural phenomenon that generates over $1 trillion in annual retail sales worldwide. 🎄 The encyclopedia includes entries about lesser-known Christmas traditions, such as Japan's custom of eating Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas Day, which began in 1974 through a successful marketing campaign. 🎄 Beyond modern practices, the book traces Christmas customs back to ancient Roman celebrations like Saturnalia and examines how these pagan festivals influenced contemporary Christmas traditions.