Stick Man lives in the family tree With his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three ..."a cracker of a book" - Financial Times"You'll read this book again and again" - Daily Mail

    So when editor Nancy Guthrie decided she wanted a reflective book of Advent readings by writers who held a high view of Scripture, she embarked on what she calls "a sacred adventure," putting together such a collection herself. This special volume draws from the works and sermons of classic theologians such as Whitefield, Luther, Spurgeon, and Augustine, and from leading contemporary communicators such as Skip Ryan, John Piper, Ligon Duncan, Randy Alcorn, John MacArthur, Francis Schaeffer, R. C. Sproul, and Joni Eareckson Tada to help readers enter into the wonder of Jesus' incarnation and birth. Each essay in this solidly biblical anthology expounds on a particular aspect of the Christmas story and includes the appropriate Scripture passage from the ESV Bible. It is sure to awaken people's longing and prepare their hearts for a fresh experience of the coming of Jesus each and every Christmas season.

    The New York Times bestselling author of The Christmas Box and The Walk series returns with a holiday novel of hope, love, and redemption.She was my first kiss. My first love. She was a little match girl who could see the future in the flame of a candle. She was a runaway who taught me more about life than anyone has before or since. And when she was gone my innocence left with her. As I begin to write, a part of me feels as if I am awakening something best left dead and buried, or at least buried. We can bury the past, but it never really dies. The experience of that winter has grown on my soul like ivy climbing the outside of a home, growing until it begins to tear and tug at the brick and mortar. I pray I can still get the story right. My memory, like my eyesight, has waned with age. Still, there are things that become clearer to me as I grow older. This much I know: too many things were kept secret in those days. Things that never should have been hidden. And things that should have.

    But now, six years later, her family needs her. Carly returns home to face her past and give her niece and nephew the best Christmas ever.Burdened with guilt, Jake Porter believes he could have saved his two friends on that fateful day and kept Carly from experiencing such a heart-wrenching loss. When she arrives in town, Jake wants to make amends so they can both finally move forward with their lives.As Jake helps Carly experience the magic of Christmas so she'll embrace the holiday again, will he also be able to open her heart to something else she’d given up on…love?Previously published as Rescued by the Magic of Christmas.Mountain Rescue Romance seriesBook 1: His Christmas WishBook 2: Her Christmas SecretBook 3: Her Christmas KissBook 4: His Second ChanceBook 5: His Christmas Family

    That's what they do. Besides, we don't need another animal around here, and most definitely not a dog.When Todd McCray, a developmentally challenged young man still living on his parents' Kansas farm, hears that a local animal shelter is seeking temporary homes for its dogs during the days leading to Christmas, he knows exactly what he wants for the holidays. His father objects, but Todd's persistence quickly wins out. Soon the McCrays are the short-term foster family for a lovable pooch the young man names Christmas.But what about all the other dogs who will be forced to spend the Yuletide season in cages? In the days that follow, Todd uses his special gifts of persuasion to encourage his hometown to participate in the Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program. What follows from his small act of kindness will teach his family, and his community, about peace on earth and good will toward men and animals.

    It’s been five years since their break-up, and Lisa St. Claire is just as stunning as ever. He knows he should keep his distance, especially since she doesn’t know the real reason he left their small town…With wedding responsibilities keeping them close, they are forced to face one other—and the chemistry that still sizzles between them! As the festivities come to a close, will Myles and Lisa race off to their happily ever after or will the secrets of his past keep them apart forever?

    Here you'll meet Will Henderson, a young man tortured by his past, and Karen Yoder, a young woman looking for answers. Add a desperate father searching for his son, and you have all the ingredients for a first-class romance that will inspire and enthrall.

    Year after year, Wilma and Parker nurture their trees, keeping careful count of how many they plant, how many perish, and how many grow to become Christmas trees.          This companion to the award-winning Pumpkins: A Story for a Field is a lyrical, behind-the-scenes look at the intricate lives of Christmas trees.          Includes an author’s note about the history and cultivation of Christmas trees.

    Moore classic. On this ship of mischievous brigands—who have visions of treasure chests, not sugarplums, dancing in their heads—you wouldn’t expect a visit from nice St. Nick. Instead, here comes Sir Peggedy, with his peg leg and hook arm, cracking his whip and driving eight giant seahorses: Salty, Scurvy, Sinbad, Mollie, Cutthroat, Cross-Eyes, Roger, and Jolly. Philip Yates’ rollicking rhymes and Sebastià Serra’s sprightly, fun-filled pictures—featuring whimsically multicolored seahorses, stockings hung on the ship’s bowsprit with tar, child-friendly pirates, and a complete treasure map—turn this Christmas perennial into a jubilant celebration!

    1.  With a new contemporary cover design, a new interior layout, and up-to-date stories, this book will have fresh appeal to everyone looking for a great Christmas and holiday read.2.  Books represent a new thematic experience, even for readers of past books, as Chicken Soup has tightened the content, and books contain only relevant stories.  Out-of-date stories were eliminated.3.  Each book contains 101 stories recompiled from dozens of past Chicken Soup titles.4.  "Our 101 Best Stories" collection is an efficient way for new readers to obtain books covering Chicken Soup's most popular topics.5.  Every books has a warm and moving foreward from Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen explaining the company's rebirth and its return to 101 stories per book.6.  Chicken Soup for the Soul earned the Guinness World Record for having the most books on the New York Times bestseller list at one time.7.  Last year, USA Today named Chicken Soup for the Soul #5 on its list of 25 books that left a legacy over the past quarter century.Everyone loves Christmas and the holiday season.  We love reuniting scattered family members, watching the wonder in the eyes of a child, and seeing the joy on the face of a gift giver.  The rituals of the holiday season give a rhythm to the years and create a foundation for our family lives.  We love the chance to gather with our communities at church, at school, and even at the mall, to share the special spirit of the season, brightening those long winter days. The first Chicken Soup for the Soup book was published in 1993, and became a publishing industry sensation, ultimately selling eight million copies.  Since then, more than 150 Chicken Soup titles have been published, selling more than 100 million copies. Chicken Soup for the Soul has won dozens of awards over the past 15 years, and its founders, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen have become celebrity motivational speakers and authors.

    Gervase Phinn has collected together from his bestselling Dales books his favourite stories about children, and includes some poems from his popular Puffin poetry books.

    Has some very special features you won't want to miss.

    But she just stares and doesn?t say a word, like all the other sweet treats he tries to meet.Discouraged, the Gingerbread Baby runs home, chased by a long line of hungry creatures, where Mattie has a fantastic surprise for him?gingerbread friends that fill a giant fold-out page.Irresistible images inside the confectionery and outside in the snowy Swiss countryside will delight Jan Brett fans.

    America is in the midst of the Depression, and the Kamp family is struggling to get by, especially after Mrs. Kamp's untimely death. Now little Ruthie, with her mother gone and her father overwhelmed by doctor bills resulting from her brother's polio, expects another Christmas without presents or festivities. But when her father brings home one dollar in change and lets the children use it to buy special gifts for each other, the Kamps come to find that money isn't what fills Christmas with joy, love, and miracles. About the Author and Artist Gale Sears grew up in Lake Tahoe, California, and spent her high school years in Hawaii. She went on to receive a BA in playwriting from Brigham Young University and an MA in theater arts from the University of Minnesota. She lives in Utah, where she celebrates life with her husband, George, and her children Shawn and Chandler. Ben Sowards's paintings and illustrations have gathered national attention and can be found in many beautiful picture books, including the bestselling Christmas Oranges. Formally trained at Brigham Young University, Ben is now an instructor at Southern Utah University, where he enjoys teaching others how to paint both traditionally and digitally. Ben's wife, Connie, and their five children are happy to help with any art projects they can. Hardcover $15.95 32 Pages ISBN 978-1-59811-579-6

    A biblical guide to the season of Advent, helping readers explore its central theme of waiting in the company of the biblical characters who feature prominently in the lectionary readings for the season.

    To counter the distractions, beloved prayer author and speaker Dean presents a 31-day devotional and prayer guide based on themes of Advent, such as hope, peace, and joy.

    On Christmas we give and get presents, we sing songs, and we decorate our homes. But what is Christmas really about? Is our happy holiday a Holy Day? Find out why we place the star on the Christmas tree. Imagine Christmas guests as travelers of long ago. And let the beautiful song Silent Night fill your mind with pictures of the night Jesus was born. Because Christmas is God s gift to us and if we look around and remember, we ll learn to see the real Christmas. This endearing story by bestselling novelist Karen Kingsbury will capture the hearts of children and parents and grandparents will appreciate the applications they can share."

    Reno Redfern is shocked when Chrissy names him her child's father. Still, he'll play along for the chance to heal Chrissy's faith...and her heart.A Dry Creek ChristmasGood Samaritan Millie Corwin breaks into the Dry Creek caf� with the best of intentions. But when Brad Parker catches her, he immediately brands her a criminal. Only faith, hope and Christmas spirit can bring these polar opposites together.

    On the holiest of nights, Mary cradled her newborn son and felt the joy that all mothers feel. Jeannine Q. Norris has written an intimate and poignant retelling of the Nativity, deeply infused with a mother's boundless love. For God blessed me with this quiet winter nightAs I am the first to see that you are the Light.With simple words and luminous paintings, the warmth and spirit of the first Christmas when the Savior was welcomed to the world come alive in one book that is sure to be treasured by mothers and their own little ones.

    When he finds a flyer asking if he'd like to keep Holiday, he encounters a bigger and better Holiday than the one his family has always visited; he also learns that entering it requires the Founder's authorization. Thus begins Dylan's quest to meet the one of whom people keep saying: You can't find the Founder; he finds you./He's not just the Founder, he's the Finder too.As Dylan reads of Holiday's origins, he experiences a number of adventures and meets characters who represent the sights and sounds he always finds in Holiday-characters who explain how each of these familiarities points to the Founder's previous rescue of the city's inhabitants. And the more Dylan learns, the more he longs to personally know the one who holds the key to entering the real Holiday.Writing for elementary-age children and older, author, teacher, and grandmother Starr Meade offers a book that families can read together, discovering along with Dylan how God brings a person to faith. Keeping Holiday is also a charming, insightful way to help children grasp the meaning of the Incarnation.

    After all, they are not a regular family. But Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are ready to show Dave what family is all about!

    Moore wrote The Night Before Christmas in his house in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan in 1823, inspiring tributes to the city in words and images. In A Very New York Christmas, Michael Storrings captures the magical landscape and excitement of the holiday season in dozens of watercolors, which since 2003 have been turned into bestselling Christmas ornaments. Sold in major retail venues across the country, his limited edition ornaments have a worldwide fan base and sell out performances in such stores as Saks, Bloomingdale's, and Bergdorf Goodman. This year a special ornament will be produced to coordinate with the book.Portraying both famous traditions like Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Angel Tree to less well-known ones like the Christmas lights in Brooklyn's Dyker Heights, the Boys Choir of Harlem, and the Holiday Train show at The New York Botanical Garden, A Very New York Christmas crisscrosses Manhattan and the four outer boroughs to bring us a Christmas for all New Yorkers--whether residents or just fans.Including a delightful foreword from Cynthia Nixon (Miranda from Sex and the City) this jewel-like book combines festive quotations from literature and popular culture with Storrings's charming watercolors of forty cherished New York holiday scenes making this a perfect gift and yuletide keepsake.

    Ages 3+this beautiful tale is a clever and whimsical take on the Christmas story - from the bestselling author-illustrator team of Glenda Millard and Stephen Michael King. Applesauce is convinced that there can be no Christmas this year - her heart, where Christmas comes from, is as small as a gumnut and there was no Christmas in it at all. But then something special happens and Applesauce discovers that Christmas does not need to be all about glitzy decorations, fancy foods and expensive presents. It does indeed come from the heart. this heart-warming, CBC-shortlisted picture book is guaranteed to become a family favourite this Christmas. Ages 3+

    In The 12 Ways of Christmas, New York Times best-selling author, David Jeremiah touches on twelve aspects that make the season more meaningful for everyone: wonder, sacrifice, humility, charity, creativity, simplicity, affection, reflection, giving, children, music, and tradition. They’re all perspectives that capture the true spirit of why we celebrate Christmas, and how we can live them out through the next twelve months of the year.

    But when influenza claims her husband and baby, Elizabeth doesn't know if she can go on. Then a stranger approaches her with a plea she can't ignore.Jake Hargrove is desperate. His brother's death left him in charge of his two part-Sioux nieces--one an infant. Jake knows the baby can't survive the harsh western winter without a wet nurse. A marriage of convenience with this grieving mother seems to be the only answer. Fighting for the acceptance of their charges gives Jake and Elizabeth new purpose. With the Christmas season approaching, dare they hope that they also could receive the gift of love?

    In a string of colored lights, a crowd of shoppers, or the window of a toy store, he uncovers such traditional Advent themes as watchful waiting, repentance, and selfless love. On the bustling sidewalks, he introduces us to Isaiah, John the Baptist, and Jesus himself, all speaking their ancient Advent and Christmas messages of peace and hope and good will.

    Discover light-hearted surprises, faith-affirming treasures, and thought-provoking insights about the greatest gift of all. You'll want to share these holiday tales year after year. Authors include: Anita Stansfield Gale Sears Joni Hilton Kerry Blair Lynn C. Jaynes Marilynne Todd Linford

    Packed with as much fun stuff as an elf’s Christmas stocking, this anthology includes all the legends, lore, trivia, and history Uncle John didn’t have room for in the first Christmas collection. Highlights include why Figgy pudding was banned in Boston, the story of snow globes, the Christmas pickle, Bad Santas, and more!

    24 Chapters: Begin reading a chapter a night in December and finish on Christmas Eve. Two boys, Isaac and Jediah, travel through ancient Palestine. As their journey unfolds, the boys find themselves at the heart of the Nativity Story and gradually realize the birth of the Messiah is at hand.

    Things only get worse when a large newspaper is about to come to town and threatens the livelihood of their family run business, The Turtle Creek Newspaper. At the staff Christmas party, she makes a wish and what seems like the answer to her prayer walks in the front door to apply for the editor position, which they are hoping will bring new life to the paper. Not only is Joe McNamara a genius when it comes to the written word, but he is also gifted with ideas about keeping the newspaper afloat. However, Joe has a secret of his own that he is keeping from Lucy. If she finds it out, then what looks like a promising relationship will unravel, but it's Christmas time, the season of rebirth and miracles. Will the spirit of celebration be enough to heal two hearts? Or will the reality of deception make this the worst Christmas of all?

    The Autobiography of Santa Claus “A book that deserves classic status.” —The Dallas Morning News This enchanting classic combines solid historical fact with glorious legend to deliver the definitive story of Santa Claus. For anyone who has ever wondered . . . you’re right to believe in him!How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas “A humorous, well-written historical romp.” —Atlanta Woman In this delightful tale, the first lady of Christmas herself tells the story of how she and a very brave group of people once saved a treasured holiday from being lost forever.The Great Santa Search “The first-person narrative is once again richly detailed, as Guinn continues to unearth more of Santa’s backstory.” —Fort Worth Star-Telegram Acharming story that takes readers on a sleigh ride through the history of Christmas in America that lands smack-dab in 2006, as a reality TV show threatens to destroy the true spirit of Christmas.

    #1 bestseller list in Hawaii. When he sees a shooting star, a lonely snowman is granted his wish to go to Hawaii. There is only one problem: when the sun rises he will turn into a puddle. But this tiny snowman with a big heart finds a way to use his snow to help others, and ends up right where he belongs. 50% of profits are donated to charities that help children, and to provide books for children in need.

    With foil, embossing, and a rich, saturated four-color interior full of classic Victorian images, A Victorian Christmas is perfect as a gift eager for a coffee table to adorn with its winsome design. Inside, readers are greeted by inscriptions from postcards and Christmas cards, poems and prose from the early twentieth century, and the accompanying CD lends soft, simple Christmas songs performed by acclaimed mandolinist Butch Baladassari. The result is an experience of Christmas from a bygone era, a unique way to say "Merry Christmas."

    The cover’s been redesigned to call out the attractive offerings in this book featuring lots on every page to engage children and embraces all of the fun aspects of the Season (Santa, sledding, caroling, and more). Fun flaps on every page, and familiar Little People characters (Eddie, Sonya Lee and their friends) make this a must have under every toddler’s tree.

    And with the enclosed CD, children of all ages can enjoy dinosaur-themed Christmas party music, and hear the story read aloud by the Today Show's Al Roker! A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book goes to support the American Museum of Natural History in New York, where the story is set.

    Traditions are important and they certainly take precedence for George Grimble in "The Christmas Tree Thief" by Chris Grabenstein. Before his three young sons can open their gifts on Christmas morning, George always lights up the baby Jesus as a reminder to all of the real purpose of the day. Something someone apparently didn't understand when they cut down part of his pine tree in his yard and ruined Christmas morning.

    This amazing year, the nine children in the Cole family have been allowed to sit down with the Sears, Roebuck and Company catalogue to choose the gift they would most like to receive for Christmas. This is a rare event, for the Coles are not wealthy. Indeed, Cole Family Christmas is the true, tender, and wholly unforgettable tale of a coal miner's family. The story takes place in the small company town of Benham, Kentucky, in a time (1920) and place when coal was king and families made their precarious living mining the dirty and sometimes deadly coal. When one of Mama's few possessions, a treasured purple glass bowl with fluted edges, is accidentally broken by exuberant children rushing in from the outdoors, and an unlikely blizzard prevents Papa from coming home after working extra hours at the coal mine on Christmas Eve, the stage is set for a Christmas morning in which gifts are given and received that no one could have predicted. Based on a real family, the youngest of nine children in the story, Hazel, is the 88-year-old co-author of the book.

    But the Christmas angels know who needs their help on this holy night, and are ready to fly down to help the lost, lonely and weary.Small children will love the row of cut-out angel heads which reveal the features of each little angel in turn. This is a beautiful and inspiring picture book which sings of the message of Christmas loving kindness from every page.

    Using the popular and vibrant artwork from The Beginner's Bible, children will learn the events leading up to Jesus' birth and his miraculous arrival. By the end of the story, children will understand why we celebrate this special day. This low-cost picture book is great for outreach events and distributing at Christmas celebrations.The Beginner's Bible is the bestselling story Bible with over 7 million copies sold. It's full of life and fun!

    Christopher pops in to play holiday hide and see with children. The set includes Christopher Pop-In-Kins doll, illustrated book and storage case. Full description

    Inspired by Jesus, Nicholas sneaks over at night and throws a bag of gold for dowries through their window. It lands in a stocking. One daughter is wed, but the father keeps wasting gold until Nicholas is down to his last bag of gold. What should he do? Can he save the girl and keep his giving a secret? Almost two thousand years later, St. Nicholas still comes secretly at night, putting surprises in children's stockings.

    It's the end of Christmas term at Ragley-on-the-Forest village school and as teh excitement mounts, Jack is, as ever, trying to make sense of what's going on.Why is Jimmy Poole guiding a limping turkey with a length of orange baling twine across the frosty village green? Why is the vicar walking as though he is wearing sandpaper underpants? And will the far-from-angelic Harold Bustard really have to be an angel in the school nativity play? He would much rather be a sheep, but his redoubtable mother is instisting...The time approaches for the concert to begin and chaos reigns--but, as always, the children triumph and staff, parents and all the village enter into the Christmas spirit.

    Christmas Kitchen is filled with scrumptious recipes your family & friends will love. Spread the cheer at a holiday brunch with Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake and Savory Brunch Cups. Tote along Creamy Chicken Bake to a church bazaar & potluck. Snowy Day Chili with Honey-Corn Muffins is an easy supper after an afternoon of shopping or decorating the tree. For Christmas dinner, there's a mouthwatering feast of Grammy's Beef Brisket, Cheddar Potato Gratin, Creamed Peas & Onions and Cranberry Dream Salad...all special enough for serving on Mom's prettiest holly-trimmed china. Of course it wouldn't be Christmas without delectable treats for sharing, so you'll find lots of sweets like Aunt Julia's Pecan Cookies and Red Velvet Cake, plus giftable goodies like White Chocolate Popcorn. We've tucked in easy tips for festive meals and clever ways to wrap up homemade gifts. So tie up your apron strings and join us in the kitchen! Hardcover, 224 pages. (9-1/4" x 6-1/2")

    Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Francis of Assisi gives readers a momentary cease in the chaos, allowing daily meditation. It is essential in today's postmodern culture to remember the true purpose of Advent--the preparation for and celebration of the coming of Jesus.Each day's selection offers a new insight from one of the most beloved saints, St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis serves as an appropriate model of virtue during the time of year when it is easy to become caught up in the materialized aspects of the holiday. Through his words, we are reminded of the simplicity in poverty, the reverence of God's word, of showing gratitude, and practicing forgiveness. Along with the words of St. Francis are daily Scripture readings and prayers that mirror his philosophy. After reflecting, readers will find an Advent action--something simple they can do to keep the words and prayers alive with them throughout the day.Christians looking for a way to energize their holiday practices will cherish this guide to refocusing on the true reason for the season, the birth of Christ.Paperback

    Shy, mousy librarian Millicent Evans had been in love with him for years, but he'd never noticed her. Now back in San Antonio, Tony was definitely aware of Millie! But could the season of joy bring them together against all the odds?Christmas Reunion by Catherine GeorgeFelicia Maynard hasn't laid eyes on her first love, Gideon Ford, for years, but here he is on her doorstep looking devastatingly attractive and insisting they spend Christmas together. As the magic of the season casts its spell, will Felicia and Gideon feel their love reignite?A Mistletoe Masquerade by Louise AllenLady Rowan Chilcourt agrees to masquerade as a simple lady's maid to help her friend avoid a bad match. Working below stairs introduces her to handsome Lucas Dacre and, as Christmas approaches, Rowan beings to fall for him - until she discovers that she isn't the only one masquerading under the mistletoe!

    And when it is still and quiet, the drummer boy plays, boom pum pum boom pum, and warms the child?s heart. But one day the drummer boy is accidentally knocked into the trash, sending him on a journey he never imagined?a journey on which he continues to play his drum, warming the hearts of others, from a rat to an owl to a snowman. And in a touching conclusion, his own heart is warmed as he plays to his most perfect audience: the baby in a manger. Loren Long brings this story of an unforgettable little drummer boy to vivid life with his timeless and magical art.

    Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? The Bible explains it--the answer is clear.Young children will discover the most important gift of all through charming rhyme and meaningful pictures.

    Christmas--Literary collection

    He wants to confront his family about a five-year-old betrayal. She wants to escape the remnants of a failed marriage.Thrown together as unlikely and unexpected travel partners, their trip is filled with both dramatic and humorous situations along the road. But, with God's constant hand in their journey, can Justin and Cameron discover that...Yes, you can go home again...especially at Christmastime.

    Kringle’s special little toy shop, where he spends his days helping every customer find just the right toy. When a box arrives at the shop with a small stuffed bunny inside, Mr. Kringle determines to find him a loving home in time for Christmas. Could the little girl who peers through the toy-shop window be the one who provides just the home he seeks?Meet Teddy, the stuffed bear who befriends Bunny, and watch their friendship deepen as, one by one, the other toys leave the shop. Will the little girl who stared at Bunny through the window ever come back to claim him?Frances Wolfe’s vibrant paintings complement her poignant prose in this heartwarming tale of love lost and found for the young and the young at heart.

    Clara creeps downstairs to find Nutcracker, a wooden doll given to her by her mysterious godfather Drosselmeier - a creator of fabulous mechanical toys. Through her godfather's strange powers, Clara is caught up in a thrilling battle in which she and Nutcracker overcome the Mouse King and his army.

    The holiday spirit is alive and well in America’s heartland--and nowhere does it shine so brightly as in Chicago.  This delightful book takes readers on a thoroughly entertaining tour of Chicagoland in all its Christmas finery.  From the storytelling windows at Marshall Field’s (now Macy’s), drawing admirers from hundreds of miles away, to the most elaborate light show in a neighborhood cul-de-sac, The Best Christmas Decorations in Chicagoland guides you to more than 200 of the finest annual holiday displays in the greater Chicago area.  In this fully updated and expanded edition of her 1995 bestseller, Mary Edsey shares humorous stories about decorators, decorating tips and trends, and historical trivia.  The book, which features 200 dazzling color photographs of Chicagoland’s “best and brightest,” covers the city proper as well as the surrounding counties--residential, business, and municipal efforts--and includes maps, detailed directions, and display hours.  Whether as a guide to the holiday sights in Chicago or a Christmas feast for the eyes, this is a book that perfectly captures the season’s irrepressible spirit.