Religion

One of the grand annual events in Chicago's history is the spectacular Christmas Parade on State Street. Filled with pageantry, these parades showcase amazing floats and displays, often featuring local VIPs along with Hollywood stars. In this companion to Christmas on State Street: The 1940s and Beyond, Robert P. Ledermann continues his celebration of Christmas in Chicago. Over 200 photographs, including 16 pages of full color, lead you on a wonderful trip down memory lane; you will also share the recollections of many famous personalities who participated in the parade. Crowds viewed the famous windows at Marshall Field's and Carson's while awaiting the parade; complete sets of those windows are featured here. Finally, Chicago can be cold in the winter, so to warm up we'll stop in at Miller's Pub and the Berghoff Restaurant.

What is the true meaning of Christmas? The author believes the answer is found in the Golden Rule. Christmas should be about being good to one another. Christmas in San Diego, therefore, focuses on people who bring joy to others. Locals are blessed to have many special individuals who share their spirit to make Christmas in San Diego a special season for everyone. This book is divided into five chapters: the history of Christmas in San Diego, the many Christmas traditions throughout San Diego, the various ways Christmas is celebrated within the communities of San Diego County, unique San Diego Christmas trees, and lastly, some special Santa Diego Santas.

The Great Passion Play in historic Eureka Springs, Arkansas, was first performed on July 15, 1968. Since that day, over seven million visitors from all over the world have witnessed the largest outdoor drama in the United States. The play ambitiously dramatizes the last week of Jesus's life and his ascension. The staging incorporates over 200 cast members, live animals, period dress, and numerous special effects. Surrounding the Great Passion Play are the sacred projects of the Elna M. Smith Foundation, which were the vision of Gerald L. K. Smith and Elna M. Smith. These projects include the seven-story Christ of the Ozarks statue, the Sacred Arts Museum, the New Holy Land, and the Bible Museum. On average, over 100,000 people are drawn to these attractions every year.