Description

Nothing brings warmth to the heart quite like Christmas. Each of us holds dear the joyful memories of the season, from the eager anticipation leading up to the holiday to the bustling preparations and the cherished moments shared with loved ones.

Inspired by the “contagious joy” of Christmas he witnessed among his congregations in Buffalo and Boston, Fr. Francis X. Weiser gathered a rich collection of Christmas traditions and stories to help families deepen their holiday celebrations. Born in Austria before immigrating to the United States, Fr. Weiser was captivated by the way American Christmas customs blended cherished traditions from diverse immigrant communities.

Drawing from interviews with parishioners, historical documents, and familiar cultural practices, he traces the origins of beloved Christmas customs such as Nativity plays, caroling, and the exchanging of gifts. Beyond their historical roots, Fr. Weiser also uncovers the spiritual significance behind these traditions, explaining:

– Why the first Christmas Mass is always held at midnight
– The origins of Christmas caroling and the stories behind cherished carols
– How Christmas lights symbolize Christ as the Light of the World
– The Christian roots of the Christmas tree and how the evergreen represents eternal life
– The ways different cultures venerate St. Nicholas
– How pre-Christian customs gained new meaning through the mystery of the Incarnation

Fr. Weiser saw family Christmas celebrations as an extension of the Church’s liturgy, a beautiful way to nurture faith at home.

Filled with historical insights, liturgical connections, literary passages, and heartwarming anecdotes, this book is sure to become a treasured part of any family’s holiday traditions. Travel with Fr. Weiser as he explores the festive expressions of Christmas across the American landscape, where faith, culture, and joy come together in celebration of Christ’s birth.