A Family Christmas

"Are you willing ... to own, that probably the only good reason for your existence is not what you are going to get out of life, but what you are going to give to life; to close your book of complaints against the management of the universe and look around you for a place where you can sow a few seeds of happiness ... to make a grave for your ugly thoughts and a garden for your kindly feelings ...? Then you can keep Christmas." Henry van Dyke Oh, how I love this book of Christmas by Caroline Kennedy. It is filled with everything Christmas. Stories written by luminaries, poems, recipes for Christmas Cake that will feed an army, pictures, Caroline's own personal Christmas stories,lyrics and Christmas traditions. And, then, of course, we can fill in our stories of Christmas. I remember receiving my first 'bride doll' for Christmas when I was 7. She was the most beautiful of dolls, and I had written a letter to Santa Claus requesting her and nothing else. I promised to be oh, so good and to obey my parents. I realized that this doll was very expensive and that Santa might not be able to come through. And, when I found her under the tree I was estatic. I wondered later if my parents had gone without something that Christmas in order to give me that beautiful doll. When I asked my mother, she told me that my father worked several overtime shifts at the post office to be able to give my sister and me the Christmas we wanted. The true spirit of giving from my parents, and one I will never forget. Caroline Kennedy offers a great deal of information in this beautiful book. There's also a 1961 letter from her father, President John F. Kennedy, to a Michigan girl afraid that the Russians would bomb the North Pole and harm Santa. After writing that he shared her concerns about atmospheric testing, Presidnet Kennedy concluded: "However, you must not worry about Santa Claus. I talked with him yesterday and he is fine. He will be making his rounds this Christmas." She hadn't known about the letter until the Kennedy Library came upon it for her book, Kennedy says. "Here are some tidbits Caroline Kennedy uncovered as she researched "A Family Christmas." In 1659, the Puritans of Massachusetts banned the celebration of Christmas, "which had become known for public drunkenness, licentious sex and gambling." The American vision of Santa Claus was created by Clement Clarke Moore in his 1822 poem that starts "`Twas the night before Christmas" and was later exported to the world largely via Coca-Cola ads. Department stores--invented in America--"contributed greatly to the economic growth of Christmas." Macy's began decorating its windows in the 1870s and launched its Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created for Chicago's Montgomery Ward stores in 1939. "The first electric Christmas-tree lights, 80 hand-blown red, white, and blue glass bulbs, festooned the 1882 tree of Edward Johnson, an executive in the Edison Illumi

I am a sucker for any good book on the holidays and how people past and present celebrate or even endure them. Unlike some books this book also has some sad parts, which remind us that not everyone has a Martha Stewart style holiday with all the trappings. But that some past and present have worried and done with little. It's one of those books that will be put on the coffee table each year to be savoured. Am so glad Truman Capote is one of those mentioned since his story A Christmas Memory has become a classic in our home. It's what makes this book A Family Christnas also special. Such a nice variety of memories from so many people. And ideas you can start to make as a tradition in your own home.

I bought 2 copies: one for my Mom who is 85, and one for friend Connie who was widowed this year. I always read my gift books before I wrap them. Caroline's collection is so delightful, so comprehensive. I live alone and I find myself with tears in my eyes, or sometimes laughing out loud. She brings me so many old memories and has presented me with many new gifts, too. Please thank her for me, from the bottom of my heart.

A great book to bring back the true meaning of Christmas. This book will be packed away with our Christmas decorations to be brought out each year to read again and again. I purchased additional books that I gave to our two sons and their families. Steve

Caroline always has been and always will be my hero. I'll never forget the image of her and her brother at their father's funeral. At a young age Caroline learned to be brave. She could have lived the life of a socialite, but instead she has chosen a life of service and productivity. All of her books are wonderful...and this one is the best of all so far. It is one of the most diverse collection of Christmas writings that I have ever come across. The book is a delight and should be included in everyone's library. My favorite part of the book are those personal items written by her father and herself. Also recommended: Story of the Other Wise Man--A Christmas favorite from my childhood. Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--A new Christmas favorite.