1994, Longstreet Press, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia

In the centuries-old spirit of Christmas, Jim Harrison's artwork and narration recapture the holiday Americans have loved for generations. Illuminating the history behind such Christmas traditions as mistletoe, Santa Claus, and egg nog, Harrison answers our curiosities about our favorite celebration, plus embellishes our fond memories with his fine illustrations.

What began as customs surrounding the Christian holy day in Europe spread to the New Work with immigrants who made their home here. In time those elements -- many from conflicting traditions -- melted into a medley of aesthetics that we know today as an American Christmas. Readers will warm to the glow of Harrison's pen and brush as he carefully restores the historical settings of the nation's best-loved holiday.