Did you know that the Yule log, carols, flaming pudding and other gay customs came to Virginia long ago from England? The Spanish brought their own special ways of celebrating Christmas to our West and Southwest. Of course, the Dutch brought to New Amsterdam Saint Nicholas who has become our Santa Claus. To Louisiana the French brought Papa Noel.

These are some of the countries which have given us customs that we have made our own. Phyllis McGinley with her rare gifts of humor, joy and tenderness has described these customs in skillful and enchanting verse.

Harold Benson's pictures in their soft tones of blue and reddish brown have caught the spirit of the poetry. Here is a book that has the timelessness of Christmas itself.

From the dust jacket