cover image CHRISTMAS!: Traditions, Celebrations, and Food Across Europe

CHRISTMAS!: Traditions, Celebrations, and Food Across Europe

Stella Ross Collins, . . Kyle Cathie, $29.95 (168pp) ISBN 978-1-85626-339-9

This oh-so-British book has everything for a jolly good holiday, including definitive information on English traditions such as Boxing Day, plum pudding and Christmas crackers. What's more, there's a wealth of lore from European nations ranging from Andorra to Yugoslavia, with Collins describing divergent Christmas customs and offering suggestions for recipes, décor and parties. Readers may not fully accept her assertion that Christmas constitutes "the basis of a great international understanding," but they cannot help but be moved by stories of German POWs and English citizens singing "Silent Night/Stille Nacht" together in 1944. This is a beautifully designed and interesting foray into the Christmas traditions of Europe. (Sept.)