The Christmas Almanac

With The Christmas Almanac, we launch a new series that incorporates many of the elements of vintage art, literature, songs, crafts, and recipes that have made our Little Big Book series such a success, and takes it even further, adding practical advice for shopping, travel, entertainment, as well as trivia, history, facts, and tips. This is the ultimate Christmas book. The Christmas Almanac will be organized into 8 chapters: Deck the Halls: Trees, Trimming, and Tinsel; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! Holiday Music, Concerts & Events; Bring Us Some Figgy Pudding: The Christmas Feast; My True Love Gave To Me: The Gifts Of The Season; Santa Claus is Coming To Town: The Legend And Lore of St. Nick; 'Twas The Night Before Christmas: Christmas Eve; Christmas is Here: December 25th; What Can I Give Him? Charity at Christmastime. Each chapter will be a combination of elements based on its particular theme, including: Classic Stories - from The Fir Tree by Hans Christian Andersen to Eleanor Roosevelt's Christmas in Hyde Park Poems - including "A Visit From St. Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore and Lewis Carroll's "Christmas Greetings From A Fairy To A Child"Recipes - American standards such as Sugar Cookies and Cranberry Sauce; classic recipes from around the world; Christmas drinks; and entertaining ideasHistory & Traditions - find out how the legend of St. Nick came to be, why we hang stockings and much, much more Carols - complete with lyrics and music, from "Deck the Halls" to "Silent Night"Games - to entertain children and grown-ups alike at holiday festivities Gifts - where to buy them, what to buy, gifts to make, stocking stuffer ideas, tipping guides, and Christmas card etiquette Facts & Trivia - Where is a white Christmas guaranteed? What's the most expensive Christmas present ever given? The biggest snowman ever made?Shopping - Want to get your tree fresh from Vermont? Serve the coolest hot chocolate around? Send out the best fruitcake? We'll tell you where to goEntertainment - celebrations around the country and the world, the best concerts, festivals, movies, music, and ballets Tips - How to care for your tree, make sure Santa writes your kids back, and track him on-line as he makes his way around the world Crafts - learn how to make tree decorations, orange clove balls, mini cookie & candy trees, cookie puzzles, scented sachets, and snow globes Volunteering - cook and deliver Christmas dinners, make a child's Christmas wish list come true, or participate in a coat drive - we'll give you tons of options!