A Merry, Very Victorian Christmas is a bit like a holiday smorgasbord, filled with our most beloved American Christmas traditions A clever and thoughtful Christmas gift for teachers, Christmas stockings, grab bags, business contacts and spur-of-the-moment presents, this collection of history, trivia, tales and traditions - illustrated with classic 19th Century prints from Thomas Nast, Winslow Homer and other iconic artists whose artwork appeared in such publications as "Godey's Magazine and Lady's Book" and "Harper's Weekly" - will quickly become indispensable reading for every trivia, history or holiday buff on your list Like the first yearly appearance of snow - so familiar, and yet so magical - the Victorian-inspired Christmas many of us create each year is a world of holly and ivy, "Silent Night" and Tiny Tim, Christmas trees and candy canes, Santa Claus and sleigh bells. How did these things become such an integral part of our American Christmas? Within these pages one will find many of the histories, anecdotes, and legends of the traditional foods, stories and songs that became popular in America during the Victorian era (1837-1901) and are still celebrated, enjoyed and cherished today, such as: the lyrics and background to twenty-two of America's favorite traditional Christmas carols; instructions for twelve classic Victorian games to play; the stories of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus; Christmas during the Civil War and in the era of the general store; the fascinating trivia and facts surrounding Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"; the complete "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore; Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "Christmas Bells" ("I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"); the heartwarming "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus"; and six original stories, ranging from "The Legend of the Poinsettia" to the beautiful story of the origin of the beloved carol "Silent Night", that beg to be read aloud to children, family and friends. Filled with amazing and obscure facts, the fascinating stories and histories of the things we do at Christmas every year - often without ever understanding why - is certain to delight young and old alike. If you've ever wondered why we kiss under the mistletoe, or if a fruitcake really and truly can last forever, you will love this book Illustrated.