Story of our holidays

Every December millions of people all over the world wait for the twenty-fifth day of the month. They are looking forward to Christmas, one of the most celebrated holidays of the year. This heavily illustrated volume explores the holidays rich history, as well as various ways it is celebrated around the world. Readers will have a chance to prepare a gingerbread recipe and create a reindeer ornament craft.

"Describes the holiday of Easter, including its history, traditions, and how it's celebrated around the world"--

"Describes the holiday of Mardi Gras, including how and where it's celebrated and its history"--

"Describes the way the history of Valentine's Day and the way it is celebrated across the world"--

Columbus Day might seem like just another day off from school, but every year we remember Columbus's important contributions to our nation. Today Columbus's journey to the West Indies is celebrated in a variety of ways, including parades, reenactments, and Italian-American festivals. Readers can learn about the holiday's history and significance, in addition to following a blue corn cake recipe and making a boat craft from a walnut shell and clay....

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated with firecrackers, sweet treats, and exciting tales of a prince and princess. Readers will learn about the customs involved in celebrating this joyful holiday, and they can prepare a delicious mango lassi and construct a fun Diwali game to play on the big day.

Young readers will learn how Jews in the United States and abroad celebrate Hanukkah, an eight-day commemoration of the Maccabean rebellion, when a lamp with enough oil to last only one day burned for eight days and nights. This simple yet engaging book also provides instructions on how to make a dreidel and play the game as well as a recipe for applesauce to enjoy over latkes, roast chicken, or just on its own.

Thanksgiving is one of the most traditional holidays celebrated in America. We associate the day with turkey, football, and family. Many students might not know that even though the holiday celebrates a harvest feast that supposedly took place in the seventeenth century, Thanksgiving was not declared a federal holiday until 1941. This resource will tell young readers all they need to know about Thanksgiving, in addition to providing a recipe for cranberry...