Gulevich claims her book covers "all aspects" of the international holiday. That overstatement aside, the book makes an effort at breadth and depth; among its 186 entries can be found folk customs (mumming), religious practices (Plough Monday), symbols and legends (baboushka), mythological and historical figures (Herod), and food and beverages (plum pudding). National practices are covered by sketches on the larger European countries and for some countries in Africa and South America. Contemporary aspects of Christmas are examined in "Commercialism" and "Wrapping Paper." Some topics receive brief one- or two-paragraph treatment, while others are given extended coverage. Readers looking for information about Advent, for example, will find a general 800-word article followed by the separate entries "Advent Calendar," "Advent Candle," and "Advent Wreath." Each sketch ends with a brief bibliography of suggested readings from books and journals. Two appendixes supply names and descriptions of Web sites and associations whose activities relate to Christmas. The sketches are uniformly readable, well documented, and frequently illustrated with black-and-white line drawings. Highly recommended; welcome and useful in academic libraries. D. C. Dickinson; University of Arizona

From the editor of World Holiday, Festival, and Calendar Books [RBB Ag 98], this volume examines the legends, customs, and practices associated with Christmas, from its origins in antiquity through the present. It is intended for students, teachers, and interested adults and is appropriate for general reading, answering holiday reference questions, and as a gateway to further research. The 186 entries are arranged alphabetically by title and vary in length from 100 words to several pages. Each entry includes cross-references and suggestions for further research. See and see-also references are included where appropriate. Coverage is international. `Topics covered include folk customs and beliefs, religious practices, symbols, legends, mythological and historical figures, foods, beverages, and major artistic works associated with the celebration of Christmas"; examples are America, Christmas in colonial; Christmas card; Commercialism; Denmark, Christmas in; Epiphany; Kwanzaa; Mistletoe; and Saturnalia. Although discussed throughout the work, there are no individual entries for Jesus, Mary, or Joseph, considered by many to be central figures of the holiday; nor is there an entry for Christianity as a faith. Also absent are some twentieth-century American popular-culture traditions such as Frosty the Snowman and the holiday favorites Miracle on 34th Street and It's a Wonderful Life. Access points include a table of contents and a broad index. There is a bibliography of all works consulted, an annotated list of selected Web sites, and a short list of associations whose missions relate to Christmas. Attractive original black-and-white illustrations appear throughout the text. Encyclopedia of Christmas provides extensive coverage about many aspects of the Christmas holiday and is easy to access. It is a valuable reference guide to the holiday and is recommended for school and public libraries.