{"title":"Christmas Reads","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"christmas-stories-from-the-souths-best-writers-9781589806009","title":"Christmas Stories from the South's Best Writers","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eShort stories by Olympia Vernon, Robert Olen Butler, Mary Ward Brown, and more that look at Christmas from unexpected angles.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile Christmas stories are traditionally sweet, not every holiday memory generates a feeling of ease, merriment, and plenty. In the capable hands of twelve of the best writers in the South, Christmas is a season not only of traditions and family, but of sacrifice and endurance, loneliness and faith. The stories in this anthology embrace the rich and varied aspects of the Christmas season, upholding family, forgiveness, and love as virtues of redemption.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA divorcee finds strength in an artifact from her childhood in �Queen Elizabeth Running Free,� while an elderly couple struggles to find comfort in �The Cold Giraffe.� From Elizabeth Spencer�s �Carrollton Christmas in Olden Days,� recalling warm family memories of a particularly cold holiday, to Mark Richard�s �The Birds for Christmas,� wherein a bleak and difficult Christmas is endured by two boys in an orphanage, the stories in this anthology exemplify the best that Southern fiction has to offer.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Charline McCord","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49477479661864,"sku":"9781589806009","price":15.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781589806009.png?v=1779437011"},{"product_id":"a-simply-delicious-irish-christmas-9781565544086","title":"A Simply Delicious Irish Christmas","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"The section devoted to 'Edible Presents' is particularly outstanding! No Christmas cuisine collection can be considered complete without the inclusion of A Simply Delicious Irish Christmas.\" -The Midwest Book Review Bookwatch\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKnown throughout Ireland for her popular Simply Delicious television show and for her best-selling series of cookbooks, the Queen of Irish Cooking turns her attention to preparing simple, stress-free Christmas dishes. By following these recipes, anyone can minimize preparation time and reduce frustration while maximizing results and increasing the quality and flavor of the dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA meal of Traditional Roast Goose with Potato Stuffing and Apple Sauce, Champ, and Plum Pudding provides a true taste of the Emerald Isle yet is extremely easy to create. These dishes also are easy to cook ahead of time to avoid hectic last-minute preparation. White Christmas Cake may be kept for at least a week without freezing, while St. Stephen's Day Pie freezes quite well.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs simple as these dishes are to prepare, they are even more delightful to present. After serving Old-Fashioned Roast Turkey with Fresh Herb Stuffing and Bread Sauce, hosts may dazzle their guests with a variety of edible presents, including Doreen's Fudge, Marzipan Dates, and even a Chocolate Christmas Tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNothing could be simpler-or more delicious.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Darina Allen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49477481398568,"sku":"9781565544086","price":15.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781565544086.png?v=1728879150"},{"product_id":"from-christmas-to-twelfth-night-in-southern-illinois-9781596299139","title":"From Christmas to Twelfth Night in Southern Illinois","description":"Journey to a region where all the perennials are said to bloom at midnight on Christmas Eve and where a family's luck is determined by the first person to walk through their door on New Year's Day. Spend a literary Christmas in Herrin, listen to the twelve bells of Belleville ring out the coming year and greet the Three Kings of Germantown at Epiphany. Whether you are a newcomer to southern Illinois or whether you feel like you have been singing La Guiannee since the tradition started in Prairie du Rocher in 1720, join John J. Dunphy for a season of sacred memories and merry recollections.","brand":"John J. Dunphy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49480891760936,"sku":"9781596299139","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781596299139_d4726183-a19b-4aa3-82c1-6dd199fc6605.jpg?v=1755740945"},{"product_id":"christmas-in-new-england-9781641941167","title":"Christmas in New England","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis history of Christmas is an endless delight, with stories about all your favorite Christmas traditions, from Mystic to Maine, the Berkshires to Boston. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHere are some of the more than fifty New England holiday traditions traced and described in this enchanting treasury: Charles Follen and the Christmas Tree Church, Flying Santa, Silent Santa, and Secret Santa; Rudolph, the Most Famous Reindeer, A Magical Ride on the Polar Express, Louis Prang, Father of the American Christmas Card, Candlelight Strolls at Old Sturbridge Village and Capt. James Magee's Holiday Party.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Amy McGuiggan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49480903917864,"sku":"9781641941167","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781641941167_3e8527a7-04b9-47c5-aa2d-af51cf95e3bc.jpg?v=1772234864"},{"product_id":"christmas-at-miller-and-rhoads-9781596297654","title":"Christmas at Miller \u0026 Rhoads","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Christmas season is a time for traditions and, in Richmond, one particular custom reigned supreme: a family outing to \u003ci\u003eMiller \u0026amp; Rhoads\u003c\/i\u003edepartment store.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003eA Christmas outing to \u003ci\u003eMiller \u0026amp; Rhoads\u003c\/i\u003edepartment store revealed thousands of smiling faces waiting to enter the kingdom of \u003ci\u003eSantaland\u003c\/i\u003e- an enchanted world marked by glittering snow and intricate train displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom visits to area hospitals to a young man who demanded only a box of raisins, former \u003ci\u003eSnow Queen\u003c\/i\u003eDonna Strother Deekens shares her touching and humorous holiday memories from her twenty years in the gown. Kids from one to ninety-two will enjoy reminiscing with characters like the elves, \u003ci\u003eBruce the Spruce\u003c\/i\u003eand, of course, \u003ci\u003eMiller \u0026amp; Rhoads'\u003c\/i\u003elegendary \u003ci\u003ereal Santa\u003c\/i\u003e. Discover behind-the-scenes drama and learn firsthand what it was like to partake in this unforgettable event.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Donna Strother Deekens","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49477614797096,"sku":"9781596297654","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781596297654_2be32fa0-9bce-4ce4-9f36-d3e07fb69a77.jpg?v=1766122388"},{"product_id":"christmas-tales-of-alabama-9781609491550","title":"Christmas Tales of Alabama","description":"It's the most wonderful time of the year, especially in Alabama. Celebrate the spirit of the season with these tales of Christmases past from the heart of Dixie. There is the story of Helen Keller's first Christmas memories in Tuscumbia, the tale of how Birmingham native Hugh Martin penned the classic tune Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, visions of all the impressive Christmas light displays throughout the state and much more. In a collection of tales that range from the heartwarming to the heartbreaking, Alabama author Kelly Kazek culls from over two hundred years of Christmas celebrations in the state and offers up a gift that no one will want to be without come Christmas morning.","brand":"Kelly Kazek","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49480961458472,"sku":"9781609491550","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781609491550_cf8c6150-8ff5-40d1-bb87-b3ad33f353ed.jpg?v=1766122389"},{"product_id":"christmas-in-new-orleans-9781589805606","title":"Christmas in New Orleans","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis lavishly illustrated volume looks at Christmas in New Orleans from its early days to post-Katrina, in the French Quarter, on Canal Street, and in its houses. It also reminisces about local traditions and lore such as snow, bonfires, foods, literature, music, football, and Twelfth Night.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"John C. Stewart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49471475843368,"sku":"9781589805606","price":39.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781589805606_d62a13b8-1fd5-4b45-971c-1a6761768309.png?v=1747240865"},{"product_id":"christmas-in-cincinnati-9781467148313","title":"Christmas in Cincinnati","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBelieve in the Magic\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe most wonderful time of the year has its own special meaning for those who grew up in the Queen City. The elves at Shillito’s and Pogie and Patter the talking reindeer were as integral to holiday merriment as caroling and eggnog. The Cincinnati Zoo \u0026amp; Botanical Garden really knows how to throw a Christmas party for people \u003cem\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e animals, and WinterFest at Kings Island provides much-needed warmth in the winter chill. Many city squares display Christmas trees bathed in lights and offer horse-drawn carriages or a skating rink. But only Cincinnati offers Santa rappelling down the face of a building and an ice skating rink with bumper cars.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eJoin local author Wendy Hart Beckman for a merry jaunt through Yuletide years gone by.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wendy H. Beckman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49477694292264,"sku":"9781467148313","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781467148313_cea40e78-ca2d-4f17-a8ae-3cf6a3916555.jpg?v=1755884705"},{"product_id":"a-savannah-christmas-9781455617388","title":"A Savannah Christmas","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis gorgeous book, filled with classic holiday recipes and information on the traditions and styles that mark Christmas in Savannah, is the perfect handbook to plan a Southern celebration. From casual Tybee to the glamorous Historic District, residents and visitors alike will cherish the enchanting seasonal photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kimberly Ergul","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49481031975208,"sku":"9781455617388","price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781455617388_2927c87b-6a29-4506-9bae-018f6187a883.png?v=1729039972"},{"product_id":"christmas-on-state-street-9780738519722","title":"Christmas on State Street","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRelieve the excitement of State Street's Christmas parade through these historic photographs, many of which have never been published ... until now!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eState Street, that Great Street. The name itself stands the test of time, remembered by anyone who lived in or visited Chicago. It is the main artery of the heart of the city. It is where memories were made and kept. This book vividly recreates, for the first time, a Christmas holiday trip down State Street. You will visit many of the major shops and stores that existed during the 1940s and beyond, viewing old display windows and getting reacquainted with famous Christmas characters such as Weiboldts's Cinnamon Bear, Montgomery Wards's Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and the crown jewel of State Street, Marshall Fields's Uncle Mistletoe. Get into the Christmas spirit, taste the charm of holiday dining in State Street's fine restaurants, and the go back to that magical wonder of a child's first holiday trip to State Street, complete with a visit to Santa.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Robert P. Ledermann","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49481111863592,"sku":"9780738519722","price":17.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9780738519722.jpg?v=1755740946"},{"product_id":"cajun-night-before-christmas-50th-anniversary-limited-edition-9781455627165","title":"Cajun Night Before Christmas 50th Anniversary Limited Edition","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“Forget Dancer, Prancer, Comet, and Vixen. . . . Good Clement, wherever he is, will not be gnashing his teeth.” —\u003cem\u003eNew York Times Book Review\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTake the classic story of jolly old St. Nicholas, place it in a Louisiana bayou setting, dress Santa Claus in muskrat “from his head to his foot,” pile his skiff high with toys, and hitch it to eight friendly alligators. The result is this modern classic. Fifty years after its first appearance, \u003cem\u003eCajun Night Before Christmas\u003c\/em\u003e® has sold more than one million copies and has served as the model for Pelican’s ongoing, best-selling \u003cem\u003eNight Before Christmas \u003c\/em\u003eSeries. \u003cem\u003e The Cajun Night Before Christmas\u003c\/em\u003e® has been a part of Louisiana’s holiday traditions since it was first published in 1973. A delight to both young and old with its rustic full-color illustrations and lively story, it has become a timeless addition to holiday celebrations far beyond south Louisiana, reaching all corners of the country with its charming presentation of Christmas on the bayou and the break-out star of Gaston® the Green-Nosed Alligator.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eConceived by J. B. Kling, Jr.,\u003cem\u003e Cajun Night Before Christmas\u003c\/em\u003e® originally appeared as a Christmas message from Bergeron Plymouth Company of New Orleans. Under the pseudonymous byline “Trosclair,” the story won a Clio Award in 1967 from the Academy of Television and Radio Advertising.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrought to life by the talented James Rice, the humorous illustrations of a colorful bayou Christmas have been nationally recognized as a classic in its genre.  Featuring eight pages of curated content released from the Pelican archives, this slipcased, numbered Fiftieth Anniversary Limited Edition showcases the rich legacy of storytelling within our state and the far reach that a humble (or not so humble!) gator has had on Cajun culture, Louisiana, and the entire country.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Trosclair","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49471699976488,"sku":"9781455627165","price":39.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781455627165.jpg?v=1762961047"},{"product_id":"christmas-in-detroit-9781467150927","title":"Christmas in Detroit","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYuletide in the Motor City\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e  \u003cp\u003eNo city seems to love Christmas as much as Detroit. Whether at Hudson’s, or sitting at the Fox Theatre, or seeing the hundreds of dolls and live reindeer at the famous Rotunda, the city can’t get enough of the holiday season. Detroiters have been celebrating Christmas for over 300 years, when the city was French and children waited for Pere Noel. As holiday traditions evolve, some endure, like Christmas trees and children writing letters to Santa. Some, such as meat pie and saying 1,000 Hail Marys for good luck, fade, and new ones—Santa at the Thanksgiving Day Parade—take their place.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocal history writer Bill Loomis leads a very merry jaunt through the happiest days of Christmas in Detroit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"William Loomis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49481205940520,"sku":"9781467150927","price":23.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781467150927.jpg?v=1755884706"},{"product_id":"christmas-in-cleveland-9781467146722","title":"Christmas in Cleveland","description":"Generations of Clevelanders share cherished memories of the city at Christmastime. Many recall the incredible Sterling-Lindner Christmas trees, shopping for mom and dad at the Twigbee Shop and the mesmerizing Nela Park light displays. And no one can forget exciting downtown parades and enchanting visits with the beloved Mr. Jingeling. Yet few may know that E.L. Baldwin’s 1881 sale paved the way for today’s “Black Friday” frenzy or that, through the decades, a host of celebrities ranging from Bob Hope to boxer Joe Louis have helped make the holidays brighter for the city’s neediest families. Touching on all of this and more, author Alan Dutka evokes fond recollections of bygone holiday seasons.","brand":"Alan F. Dutka","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49481279340840,"sku":"9781467146722","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781467146722.jpg?v=1755884706"},{"product_id":"rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-9781557091390","title":"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 1939 Robert L. May, a copywriter working at Chicago's Montgomery Ward \u0026amp; Co., wrote a holiday story at the request of his employer. Almost two and a half million copies of the little tale about a reindeer with a shiny red nose were given away to all the children who visited Montgomery Ward stores that year. The rest is history. Seventy-five years later, the beloved classic is once again available in a hardcover faithful facsimile of the 1939 Rudolph, with original text and original Denver Gillen illustrations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Robert L. May","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49481458024744,"sku":"9781557091390","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781557091390.jpg?v=1762542514"},{"product_id":"a-winter-walk-9781429096126","title":"A Winter Walk","description":"New England transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau’s 1843 essay “A Winter Walk” is a loving celebration of winter and walking. Thoreau vividly renders the winter season, writing of its sparkling beauty, its purity, and its stillness, and perfectly describing the warmth, coziness, and cheer to be found back at the home hearth.  This short work is part of Applewood’s “American Roots,” series, tactile mementos of American passions by some of America’s most famous writers.","brand":"Applewood Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49481478701352,"sku":"9781429096126","price":12.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781429096126.jpg?v=1762542537"},{"product_id":"the-gift-of-the-magi-9781429009003","title":"The Gift of the Magi","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eO. Henry’s classic 1905 Christmas story in an elegant gift hardback with illustrations. A treasure for readers of any age.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis sentimental holiday classic follows a young married couple and the sacrifices made to purchase cherished gifts for each other only to discover the true gift of Christmas is not found in objects but in their own devoted love. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Applewood Holiday Classics series presents some of the most beloved holiday short stories in a warm, elegant hardback edition with attractive illustrations. Perfect as a cherished seasonal book or a holiday gift for any occasion. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Phil W O. Henry","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49478399787304,"sku":"9781429009003","price":12.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781429009003.jpg?v=1764921014"},{"product_id":"rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-mini-book-ornament-9781429006064","title":"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Mini-Book Ornament","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDecorate your tree with a holiday classic, and experience the original Rudolph every year in this fun miniature replica of the beloved book!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 1939 Robert L. May, a copywriter working at Chicago's Montgomery Ward \u0026amp; Co., wrote a holiday story at the request of his employer. Almost two and a half million copies of the little tale about a reindeer with a shiny red nose were given away to all the children who visited Montgomery Ward stores that year. The rest is history. Seventy-five years later, the beloved classic is once again available in a faithful facsimile of the 1939 \u003cem\u003eRudolph\u003c\/em\u003e, with original text and original Denver Gillen illustrations, in both large hardback and miniature book ornament editions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Robert L. May","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49972044005672,"sku":"9781429006064","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/IMG_7384.jpg?v=1765386791"},{"product_id":"kates-choice-9781429009010","title":"Kate's Choice","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA heart warming old-fashioned Christmas tale from the beloved author of \u003cem\u003eLittle Women\u003c\/em\u003e, Louisa May Alcott, in an elegant hardback edition.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKate is a young English girl tragically orphaned and left with a large inheritance. Sent to America to live with her extended family, Kate must choose between various uncles and their families to join. Though each is eager for her to choose them, Kate’s choice comes to fruition at Christmas, when Kate surprises everyone with her decision. In his classic tale, Kate embraces the spirit of Christmas to reveal the true meaning of family.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Applewood Holiday Classics series presents some of the most beloved holiday short stories in a warm, elegant hardback edition with attractive illustrations. Perfect as a cherished seasonal book or a holiday gift for any occasion.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Louisa May Alcott","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50104251810088,"sku":"9781429009010","price":12.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/0138\/5256\/files\/9781429009010.jpg?v=1773382288"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.arcadiapublishing.com\/collections\/christmas-reads\/series-landmarks.oembed","provider":"Arcadia Publishing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}