Book Review - Everything Christmas by David Bordon and Thomas J. Winters

 

I had the opportunity recently to review the book Everything Christmas by David Bordon and Thomas J. Winters. The book is set up like an Advent Calendar with recipes, poems, stories, and other Christmas tidbits for each day's reading. I started reading it yesterday and am looking forward to what each day's reading will reveal.


I have always loved learning about the origins of all the different holiday traditions. There are so many Christmas traditions that we follow every year without really knowing their roots. So I am excited to read all about them in this book. I also love reading about how treasured Christmas Carols came to be written. On the very first day of reading, I learned the story behind the song "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem".

Another neat feature of Everything Christmas is that scattered throughout the book are descriptions of how they celebrate Christmas in other countries. I find it interesting to read about how Christmas celebrations differ (and are the same) in other countries. I enjoyed reading this morning how they celebrate Christmas in England. It really isn't all that different from over here, except for the plum pudding. And thanks to Everyday Christmas, I now know what plum pudding is!

There are also fun little facts scattered throughout. Did you know that Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was almost named Reginald or Rollo? The song just wouldn't be the same with Rollo the red-nosed reindeer.

I also have to say I love the traditional Christmas recipes that are included. I have already discovered one that I am going to use for our Christmas meal.

Glazed Ham (from Everyday Christmas)

• 1 boneless ham (4-6 pounds)
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tbs Maple Syrup
• 1 tbs cornstarch
• 2 tbs mustard
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place the ham in a roasting pan and cook for 45 minutes to warm the meat. Next mix the maple syrup, mustard, water, and pepper together to make a glaze. Brush half the glaze over the ham and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Repeat with the rest of the glaze and continue to bake for at least another 15 minutes, until the glaze is bubbly and has formed an even coat over the ham. Baste as needed.
 (I may leave out the corn starch since I can't find any around here that is organic and from non-GMO corn.  You know my feelings on GMO's!  But I digress...)

Want a sneak peak to check out the book for yourself?  You can read the first chapter at this link:
First Chapter Sneak Peak of Everything Christmas

I truly feel fortunate that I was able to review this book.  It is a beautiful hardback book that would be perfect as a family Christmas gift. I love that Everything Christmas is full of little surprises. You never know what each day's reading will bring. It truly is like an advent calendar, with little treats waiting to be discovered. I think this is a book that will become a treasured part of our Christmas library. I can see myself pulling this out every Christmas and reading it daily. 

Disclosure:  I received a copy of Everything Christmas free of charge from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group to facilitate this review.  I received no other compensation and the opinions stated are my own.