Penne L. Restad

Restad, a lecturer in American History at the University of Texas at the time of publication, writes a well-researched and documented history of America’s favorite holiday. Beginning in chapter one with a brief history of the observance of Christ’s nativity in the early church, Restad quickly moves, in the second chapter, to 17th century colonial America and the Puritan-inspired resistance to the holiday. She thoroughly traces the development of Christmas from its disparate and sometimes show more bizarre customs to its gradual nationwide acceptance and more uniform “American” customs – including Christmas trees and greenery, gift giving, Christmas cards, Santa Claus, movies, music, literature and more. There are hundreds of endnotes for those who want to go deeper, a thorough index, and a handful of black and white illustrations. Highly recommended for anyone interested in Christmas or Americana. show less