What happens when the family that normally hosts Christmas cancels? Family drama, that's what. Over the years, Gail and Rashid Al Jabbar's mini mansion has become holiday central. They not only have the space, but also the resources, to host large family gatherings. This year, however, due to the premature birth of their son, all the cautious parents want is a quiet Christmas at home. No family. No friends. No guests. DaQuan's delicate immune system requires they limit the number of people to whom he's exposed. With everyone wanting to greet the new baby, will they get their wish? Or will family and circumstances conspire against them?
This spectacular lift-the-flap Christmas alphabet story is a book, a fold-out play-scene, and a beautiful festive frieze to decorate your room—the perfect Christmas gift! Everyone is busy on Christmas Street! Who is baking gingerbread? Who is wrapping presents? And who's that coming down the chimney? Find out in this follow-up to Alphabet Street. And after you read the rhyming story, lift the flaps to learn the letters of the alphabet and seasonal words. Then flip the book and have fun with the giant snowy concertina play-scene on the reverse! With two large, sturdy flaps on every spread; bright, cheerful artwork from Ingela P. Arrhenius, illustrator of the best-selling series of lift-the-felt-flap board books and the Peekaboo board book series; and a clever rhyming text from Jonathan Emmett, this is a charming Christmas alphabet book that little ones will return to again and again.
It's Christmastime and Caillou's family is gathering together. Even his Aunt Poppy and her cat Balthazar have come from far away to celebrate the holiday with Caillou, his sister Rosie, and their parents and grandparents. Before they know it, Christmas Eve has arrived, and Caillou—who is too excited to sleep—suddenly hears a strange noise. Could it be Santa? Capturing the precious memories and emotions of the holiday season, toddlers learn about the deeper meaning of Christmas.
“You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension—a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind.” There are a lot of compendiums on The Twilight Zone out there, most offering a backstage peek at the ins and outs of producing this seminal genre series. The Binge Watcher’s Guide to The Twilight Zone will offer you something these other books do not: a microscopic look into the themes and ideas that Rod Serling weaved into his landmark show to give you a deeper understanding of why The Twilight Zone still resonates with audiences over 60 years later. This guide will examine how the socio-political turmoil of the early 1960s, the global anxiety over nuclear power, and the looming specter of trauma in post-war America influenced Serling to use The Twilight Zone as a bully pulpit, pushing back against social ills, from racism and censorship to McCarthyism and totalitarianism. Whether this is your first trip to the Zone or you’re an old fan returning for one more round, this retrospective is an opportunity to engage with the timeless classic in a way that can help you make sense of our here and now. “You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You've just crossed over into the Twilight Zone.”
In The Myths that Stole Christmas, Johnson argues that Christmas has been hijacked by seven different myths-seven myths that control how people conceive of and celebrate the holiday. Myth #1: Jesus Is the Reason for the Season Myth #2: There Is a War on Christmas Myth #3: Our Christmas Traditions Are Old-Fashioned Myth #4: Christmas Spending Is Good for the Economy Myth #5: Santa Claus Is Saint Nicholas Myth #6: The Santa Claus Lie Is Harmless Myth #7: Christmas Can't Change Historically, holiday celebrations served useful social functions; they smoothed tension between social classes; they helped us prepare for the long hard winter; they turned the literal darkest days into the "hap-happiest season of all." Modern Christmas celebrations, however, serve as a source of conflict-and can make us anxious, stressed, fat, poor and stupid. Christmas owns us; we do what it wants, when it wants. But, Johnson argues, taking a close look at the history of the holiday, and the social, political and economic issues that surround it, can turn the tables and allow us to own Christmas once again. Christmas is not a Christians-only holiday that can only be properly celebrated a certain way. Christmas belongs to us all and we can each simply make it what we need it to be.
Famous Detectives On Christmas Duty - Ultimate Murder Mysteries for Holidays is an eclectic anthology that weaves together the yuletide spirit with the intrigue and suspense of detective fiction. This collection showcases a variety of literary styles, from the gothic and macabre of Edgar Allan Poe to the sophisticated puzzles crafted by Agatha Christie. The anthology stands out for its unique juxtaposition of the festive season against the backdrop of mystery and crime, exploring themes of justice, redemption, and human nature across different historical periods and locales. The diversity and literary significance of these works make this collection a compelling read for enthusiasts of both holiday fiction and detective stories. The contributing authors and editors are titans of the literary world, each having left an indelible mark on the genre of detective fiction. The likes of Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle have shaped the foundational narratives and archetypal characters that define the genre, while authors such as Melville Davisson Post and Victor L. Whitechurch have contributed with their unique voices and innovative storytelling techniques. This collection aligns with and celebrates the rich tradition of detective fiction, offering a panoramic view of its evolution through the lens of the Christmas season. The varied backgrounds of these authors provide a rich tapestry of cultural and historical perspectives, enriching the anthologys thematic depth. This anthology offers readers a unique opportunity to explore a wide array of detective narratives set against the festive yet eerie backdrop of Christmas. It is an invitation to delve into the complex interplay of light and shadow, joy and mystery that these stories encapsulate. With its diverse range of voices and styles, Famous Detectives On Christmas Duty is not just a celebration of holiday mystery but a testament to the enduring appeal of detective fiction. Readers will find themselves returning to this collection year after year, discovering new layers and insights within its pages. It is an essential addition to the library of anyone passionate about crime fiction, the cultural significance of holidays, or the study of literary movements.
Christmas Under the Veil of Mystery Ultimate Collection for the Murder Mystery Holiday juxtaposes the joy and tranquility often associated with the holiday season against the dark, compelling allure of the murder mystery genre. Through an exquisite selection of tales by some of the most venerated authors in mystery and detective fiction, this anthology explores the multifaceted ways in which the festive season can serve as a backdrop for stories of intrigue, suspense, and revelation. The diversity of literary styles, from the keen psychological insights of Edgar Allan Poe to the intricate plotting of Agatha Christie, provides a rich tapestry of narratives that underscore the complexity and enduring appeal of the genre. These compelling stories not only entertain but also illuminate the shadows that lie beneath the surface of our festive traditions. The contributing authors and editors, hailing from various backgrounds and time periods, collectively contribute a wealth of perspectives to the anthology. Their works reflect significant historical, cultural, and literary movements, from the burgeoning detective fiction craze of the late 19th century to the golden age of the whodunit. This convergence of singular talents, including pioneers like Arthur Conan Doyle and innovators such as Anna Katharine Green, creates a mosaic of storytelling that enriches the reader's understanding of the theme, while offering insights into the evolution of the mystery genre itself. Christmas Under the Veil of Mystery invites readers to explore a fascinating composite of mystery and merriment. This anthology serves as a unique educational tool, offering readers not just entertainment but a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind some of the most influential works in mystery fiction. It is an essential collection for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the breadth of narratives that can be spun from the intersection of the festive and the forensic, and a testament to the enduring fascination with the mysteries that lurk just beneath the surface of our celebrations.
Profiles noteworthy Christmas films of all types, including movies for children and for grownups, comedies, sad movies, crime and adventure films, horror movies, versions of "A Christmas Carol," the worst movies, and the classics.
Enjoy these three heartwarming Cowboys of Cold Creek holiday romances by New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne, together for the first time! A Cold Creek Christmas Surprise Hardened rancher Ridge Bowman has long told himself he has no need for love—just work and his little girl are enough to get him through. But when his “cleaning lady,” Sarah Whitmore, gets injured on his staircase, well, of course he has to invite her to spend the holidays with him. It’s only the responsible thing to do. Only, Sarah isn’t really there to work on his house. She came bearing precious artwork belonging to Ridge’s late mother, and possibly a secret that could devastate them both. But as Christmas draws closer, so does Ridge—and Sarah convinces herself that she will tell him what she knows as soon as the holiday is over. She might be the key to his past—if only he could be a part of her future…. The Christmas Ranch Hope Nichols has never felt as if she belonged anywhere, except her hometown of Pine Gulch. So, when she hears that her family’s property, Christmas Ranch, is set to be shut down forever, a determined Hope heads home. She refuses to let the Grinch steal her holiday—this will be the most memorable ranch Christmas ever! And, thanks to hunky former Navy SEAL Rafe Santiago and his adorable nephew, she might just pull off that miracle. Rafe is undeniably drawn to Hope and her passion for rebuilding her family home. But he knows more about Hope’s tragic past than even she herself could imagine. And though she doesn’t know it, she owes him her life. And all he wants in return is for her to spend it with him… A Cold Creek Christmas Story Celeste Nichols has always preferred to keep to herself in her hometown of Pine Gulch, Idaho…until she becomes an instant celebrity! When one of her children’s stories becomes a major success, she’s suddenly the talk of the town. Celeste should be gloriously happy…but something, someone, special is still missing from her life. Could the return of her childhood crush be the answer? Flynn Delaney has moved back home for his daughter’s sake. Yet all the millionaire’s resources can’t help the little girl heal from the tragic loss of her mother. Shy librarian Celeste and her stories do hold some indefinable magic, though. Flynn came home looking for support—can he find that, and true love, in the one who got away?
