You’re here! You’re still with us in the last month of our 2021 Reading Challenge. You did it! We have some really exciting stuff in store for 2022’s Reading Challenge so make sure to follow us on social media and stay up-to-date. This month, we’re branching out and giving something different a try. Instead of your typical holiday stories, we’re diving into traditions, crafts, and baking. December’s 2021 Reading Challenge category is “Festive Nonfiction.”
You’re welcome to choose any of your festive nonfiction favorites to fulfill December’s theme but if you need a little bit of help, we’ve polled our social media followers for their favorite holiday nonfiction reads and you can see some of them below!
A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic
By Caseen Gaines
“A Christmas Story” has become a perennial holiday favorite since its release in 1983. While millions watch the movie every year on television, few know the story behind the film’s production, release, and unlikely ascent. from Jean Shepherd’s radio broadcasts and short stories, A Christmas Story has inspired a mountain of merchandise, sequels, a stage adaptation, and a big-budget Broadway musical.
Celebrating the Jewish Year Vol. 2 : The Winter Holidays – Hanukkah, Tu B’Shevat, Purim
By Paul Steinburg, Greenstein Potter
Blending the old and the new, Steinburg and Potter ground us in the origins and traditions of each holiday and open up to us ways we can add our own expression to these special days. Although synagogue ritual is touched upon, the real focus here is on our personal connections to each holiday and our home observance. As we move from season to season, Paul Steinberg shares with us a rich collection of readings from many of the Jewish greats
Christmas in America: A History
By Penne L. Restad
The manger or Macy’s? Americans might well wonder which is the real shrine of Christmas, as they take part each year in a mix of churchgoing, shopping, and family togetherness. But the history of Christmas cannot be summed up so easily as the commercialization of a sacred day. As Penne Restad reveals in this marvelous new book, it has always been an ambiguous meld of sacred thoughts and worldly actions– as well as a fascinating reflection of our changing society.
Holiday Paper Crafts
By Larimer Craft
A unique holiday-themed paper craft book with step-by-step instructions for creating beautiful crafts to decorate your home. Complete with 32 pieces of custom craft materials, including stencil sheets, tracing sheets, blank note cards, medium-weight folding sheets. The book includes instructions for over 25 decorative projects for the winter holidays.
Physics of Christmas
By Roger Highfield
Can reindeer fly? Why is Santa Claus fat? Why is Rudolph’s nose red? These are among the questions explored in an irresistibly witty book that illuminates the cherished rituals, legends, and icons of Christmas from a unique and fascinating perspective: science.
None of these titles speaking to you? That’s okay! We’ve put together an entire category on our website highlighting festive nonfiction. Head over there for more options!
