Christmas Encyclopedia »

William D. Crump is a retired physician. He lives in Madison, Tennessee.

This reference book contains information about the Christmas holiday, from its inception in the fourth century to today. Covering the entire season from Advent to Epiphany, approximately 340 entries discuss Santa Claus (and similar figures), the yule log, the Christmas tree, holly, mistletoe, music, holiday customs, and historical events that have shaped Christmas. Portrayals of Christmas in the popular media are given particular attention.

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Library Journal

Crump, a retired physician with a longtime interest in Christmas, presents more than 340 entries on subjects "which have remained Christmas treasures through popular association and usage over decades...and which place strong emphasis on Christmas as depicted in the popular media." The brief entries include television specials, holiday episodes of television series, movies, cartoons, literary subjects, biblical events, secular events, and various holiday observances around the world. Despite the title, the book includes Hanukkah and Kwanzaa along with other worldwide holiday celebrations and covers the Christmas season from Advent through the Epiphany. Plentiful cross references are found throughout. The article on Mexico, for example, includes cross references to "Las Posadas," "Central America," "South America," "Candlemas," "Epiphany," "Feast of Fools," "Holy Innocents Day," "Mass of the Rooster," "Nativity Scene," and "Poinsettia." The detailed index makes the material even more accessible by referencing the performers, producers, writers, and actors of the songs, movies, and television shows cited as well as some historical figures. Six pages of references include books, periodicals, and web sites. There is very little duplication with Tanya Gulevich's Encyclopedia of Christmas, which focuses on history and tradition rather than popular culture. And while the smaller if more highly illustrated World Encyclopedia of Christmas (McClelland & Stewart, 2000) does focus on popular culture, the subject is so vast that there is little duplication here, either. All three books work well together. Highly recommended for all public libraries. Laurie Selwyn, San Antonio P.L. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.