The music of Christmas gives the season so much of its spirit. The
sounds of Christmas are as special as the smells and the sights.
The soundtrack of the holiday includes both spiritual hymns and
popular tunes. But have you ever wondered where these songs
originated?

Thirty-one of the most popular holiday tunes are documented here,
including "Silent Night," "Do You Hear What I Hear" and one of my
favorites --- "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Each writeup will place
you in the period where the song was written. For "I'll Be Home for
Christmas," you'll feel the anxiety of every family with a soldier
overseas or a loved one lost. Ace Collins' writing is vivid, never
merely factual. Instead of a litany of history, there is
personality woven into each section.

It's guaranteed that once you finish this slim book, you'll be able
to speak volumes about each of these songs. Hey, it could be a new
ice breaker on the holiday party circuit, in lieu of critiquing the
hors d'oeurves!

If you want to give more than a book, here are some gift
suggestions to pair with this: A CD of holiday classics sung by the
original artists, or your own favorite singers, tickets to a
holiday program where music like this is played, or sheet music
from these songs so you can gather around the piano and sing
together!