Christmas history

Those interested in Christmas history will find Robert Brenner’s “Christmas Through the Decades” a colorful, informative and easily accessible guide to Christmas traditions from long ago to the late 20th century.

Brenner takes the reader back hundreds of years, to the first Christmases celebrated in Colonial America (the first Christmas was celebrated in the original 13 Colonies in the early 17th century and, of course, included many traditions brought over from England), and explores in detail the Victorian era and midcentury periods as well. The author explains preparations and celebrations as part and parcel to Christmas observances in the U.S., but also does a deep dive into the items that really complete Christmas and play a sizable role in its evolution – the ornaments, the shimmering lights, the decorations. In all, the book features a whopping 500 color photographs and more than 3,000 images documenting the highlights and the history of Christmas in America. The observance to detail and sound research makes “Christmas Through the Decades” an invaluable resource to those casual readers who truly love Christmas, as well as scholars and researchers.

A note to collectors specifically: The book includes a price index alongside the photographs included, for ease of reference.
Readers should take note that the book covers decades throughout the 1990s but no later.

About the Author

Christmas that Robert Brenner has published. The previous two volumes, “Christmas Past” and “Christmas Revisited,’ have attained the status of classics and are widely respected in the field. Brenner teaches school in Princeton, WI. He has lectured widely on the history of Christmas and has developed a vast international network of fellow collectors, manufacturers, and historians of Christmas items.

Everyone could use a bit of escapism during the holidays. Take a break from the rigors of entertaining for Thanks-giving and Christmas and enjoy the decorative wonders presented in “Christmas By Design: Private Homes Decorated By Leading Designers” by Patricia Hart McMillan and Katharine Kaye McMillan.

The book presents a visual holiday feast for the eyes, presenting large, stately homes across the country decked out for Christmas with trees, garland, sparkling lights and eye-catching ornaments. Part idea guide for your holiday decorating, part holiday homes tour (there are 29 homes featured), flipping through this image-heavy book will feel like a peek into the world of leading designers as they spruce up beautiful homes for the holiday season. The designs in these photo spreads range from vintage to ultra-chic contemporary to casual. And, at only $45, it’s much easier on the wallet than hiring an actual designer.

The book offers decorating ideas for both indoor and outdoor spaces, with a variety of geographic locations presented. The authors’ tips and traditions shared not only make for compelling reading; they are sure to offer the reader plenty of ideas to turn their living space into a welcoming, warm winter wonderland. Themed rooms and decorations will delight visitors, and the authors also provide a nice, diverse variety of color schemes and decorating philosophies, one or more of which will surely align with your own.

About the authors

Patricia Hart McMillan, author of 19 book on interior design, is an interior designer, product designer, home furnishings consultant, and keynote speaker. Katharine Kaye McMillan is a redesign life coach/consultant and a keynote speaker. Visit her facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kkmcmillan.