The Story of Christmas: The True History of the Season of Giving: Why, When, Where, and What (The Coexist Project Holiday History Books)

Why is Christmas on December 25? Who were the Wise Men? And how did a kind bishop named Nicholas become part of the story?

The Story of Christmas gives readers ages 8 to 12 the whole history of the holiday, told clearly and accurately in sixteen short chapters. Young readers travel from the Roman Empire of Caesar Augustus to the little town of Bethlehem, where the Gospels of Matthew and Luke tell of Jesus's birth, and then across the centuries to Christmas as the world celebrates it today.

Along the way, they learn how historians piece together the past, why the date of December 25 is a mystery historians still debate, and how Christmas grew from a celebration in the early church into a holiday shared by families around the world.

Inside this book:

• The complete history, from the Roman Empire and the Nativity to the first Christmas on December 25
• Then-and-now maps showing where each event happened
• From Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus, the legend's journey across the centuries
• Traditions explained: trees, wreaths, carols, stockings, gifts, and favorite foods, with a cookie recipe to bake together
• Christmas around the world, from Las Posadas in Mexico to Genna in Ethiopia
• "Did You Know?" fact boxes and "Think About It" questions in every chapter
• A timeline, glossary, Christmas calendar, "Merry Christmas" in 24 languages, family journal pages, a 20-question knowledge challenge, and a certificate to fill in at the back

Perfect for curious kids, classrooms, homeschool families, and anyone who wants to understand the story behind the season, whether Christmas is their own holiday or a neighbor's.

From The Coexist Project, creating books that build empathy, understanding, and respect among cultures and traditions.