I loved the minutiae of the development of Christian traditions described in this book--I'm a huge fan of history in general and some of the more interesting but lesser-known stories that comprise it. I am particularly fond of the ability of many of these traditions to hold meaning across centuries, continents, and faith systems. This knowledge helps me feel connected to others, which is the point of the season anyway.

It's increasingly important for Christians to be aware of where we come from and to be in control of our symbols and traditions before they are redefined for us, and this book is useful for that. It's probably a useful witnessing tool, as well, because conversations about these traditions could easily lead to discussing their meaning and their relevance throughout history.

This was a very interesting book that helped me understand how Christmas traditions developed and continued through time. It educated me regarding the evolution of some Christian traditions that evolved from pagan births. It also helped me understand the symbolism of music, lyrics and customs. I could reread it each December as a reminder of what we do to celebrate Christmas.

First of all, let me thank Zondervan and Booklookbloggers for the chance to read and review these two books:

On This Christmas
and
Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas by Ace Collins



On this Christmas:


Synopsis of On this Christmas: 

Capture five years of your favorite Christmas memories in this beautiful, keepsake guided journal. Building on the highly popular "one line a day" journal concept, On This Christmas: A Five-Year Journal of Your Favorite Traditions, Memories, and Gifts is an interactive keepsake that allows you to record your holiday celebrations over the course of five years.

Every joyful Christmas season you think, I'll never forget this, but the memories slip quietly away over time. Now you can save them and treasure them all in one place. This Christmas is a five-year guided journal with thought-provoking prompts such as "The gift I'm most excited to share," "We are choosing to slow down the holiday by ______," "A special blessing we enjoyed," and "Our favorite tradition this year." With Scripture and inspirational thoughts, This Christmas will help you preserve precious times with friends and family as you celebrate the Christmas season.



This book is super cute! It's a little gift book and I'm so excited to use it beginning next year. It lays out the entire month of December with little prompts and room to write thoughts. 5 stars for cuteness and usefulness!

Stories behind the Great Traditions of Christmas


Synopsis of Stories behind the Great Traditions of Christmas by Ace Collins:

The fascinating stories and origins behind Christmas traditions such as the colors of red and green, the Christmas tree, caroling, nativity scenes, the Yule log, gift-giving, stockings, advent wreaths, mistletoe, and holly.

The cheer of a crackling hearth fire or colorful cards from friends and loved ones. An evergreen tree festooned with ornaments. The golden traditions of Christmas—gifts, wreaths, stockings, carols, mistletoe, and more—infuse our celebration of the season with meaning and glowing memories. And, in ways you may not realize, they point us to the birth of Christ. Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas reveals the people, places, and events that shaped the best-loved customs of this merriest of holidays. Here are spiritual insights, true-life tales, and captivating legends to intrigue you and your family and bring new luster and depth to your celebration of Jesus’ birth. Discover how

• after eighteen centuries of all but ignoring the event, churches began to open the door for believers to commemorate Jesus’ incarnation.
• the evergreen tree, once a central theme in the worship practices of pagan cultures, came to represent the everlasting love of God.
• the magi’s three gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—are filled with spiritual symbolism.

The traditions of Christmas lend beauty, awe, and hope to the holiday, causing people all over the world to anticipate it with joy. The stories in this book will warm your heart as you rediscover the true and eternal significance of Christmas.



I adored this book. It's so infomative, heartwarming, and puts you right in the middle of the Christmas spirit! Again, 5 stars for cuteness! I can't wait to read selections from  this to my family on Christmas!

Thank you so much Zondervan and Booklook Bloggers! I feel like both of these books were gifts just for me. <3

Do you want to know the origin stories of all the different aspects of Christmas? Christmas Carols, Holly, the Yule Log, Christmas ornaments then this the book for you.

Particularly fascinating is the chapter on Mistletoe.

If you love Christmas like I do you will enjoy this book.

The Christmas books from this author are so interesting, but the audiobook narrator’s voice is pretty boring.

Interesting Christmas Traditions

I was intrigued by this book and the traditions I have known about, but didn’t know the history behind them.

Informative and lots of interesting facts and insights! However sometimes the author seems to ramble on and it can be lengthy. Found my self skimming quite a bit.

Meh. I was not impressed. I knew enough to spot a few factual inaccuracies right off the bat (never a good sign), and Collins' writing style isn't engaging. It's not The Worst, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Enjoy reading Christmas books during the holidays. Have read this book before but reread this December. Reminded me of traditions etc that I had forgotten, for example that Clement Clarke Moore that wrote The Night Before Christmas was a bishop of the Episcopal Church in New York and a professor at the General Theology Seminary.

A fascinating look at Christmas traditions. Ace Collins writes easily digestible chapters. Some chapters overlap with his books Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas and More Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas: Heartwarming Stories Behind Popular Carols.

Christmas Traditions and Customs

Great book about the various traditions of Christmas and their histories. Very interesting tales of holly leaves, Christmas trees and Carols. And many more. The author is concise and direct. The writing style is enjoyable. This book is for Christians in that it affirms that Jesus is the reason for the season. Tom Callahan

Coming soon!