O Christmas Tree!

By Holly Pell McConnaughy

A Celebration of the Festive Christmas Season
The Living Tree: The symbolism of the evergreen and the yule in the story of Christmas and the winter solstice.
Feasts and Treasures: Christmas foods, treats, and toys.
Well Loved Poems and Legends: Stories from around the world, favorite writings, and legends
A Festival of Carols: Hymns and blessings for the season.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DoveTail Books
• Release date: Nov 9, 2010

Book preview

O Christmas Tree!

Edited by

Holly Pell McConnaughy

Smashwords Edition Copyright © 2010 by DoveTail Books

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without first obtaining the written permission of the copyright owner.

Copyright © 1996, 2010 DoveTail Books

Design copyright © Ziga Design, LLC

Cover illustration from Planet Art

Published in the United States by DoveTail Books

5 Overbrook Lane

Darien, CT 06820

ISBN: 978-1-889461-25-0

http://www.dovetailbooks.com

Contents

Foreword

The Living Tree

Feasts and Treasures

Well-Loved Poems and Legends

A Festival of Carols

Foreword

So now is come our joyful feast;

Let every man be jolly.

Each room, with yule leaves is dressed,

And every post, with holly.

Though some churles at our mirth repine,

Round your foreheads garlands twine,

Drowne sorrow in a cup of wine:

And let us all be merry!

—George Wither (1588–1667)

From A Christmas Carol

The celebration of Christmas takes many different forms around the world. Young Dutch children leave wooden shoes out for Sinter Klaas to fill with goodies. Latkes are cooked in Russia and in Germany trees are decorated with glorious abandon. On Christmas morn in Ireland, only young women named Mary may light the Christmas candles in their church.

Nevertheless, the sentiment of Christmas is everywhere the same: good will to all abounds. We shower our loved ones with all manner of gifts, count our blessings and find room in our hearts for those less fortunate than ourselves. We celebrate with family and friends, sharing good food and good cheer.

Each year, traditional legends and stories passed down through the generations are read and retold. This volume presents a selection of these stories and songs that