Book cover of The Battle for Christmas: A Cultural History of America's Most Cherished Holiday

Book description

PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST • Drawing on a wealth of research, this "fascinating" book (The New York Times Book Review) charts the invention of our current Yuletide traditions, from St. Nicholas to the Christmas tree and, perhaps most radically, the practice of giving gifts to children. 

Anyone who laments the excesses…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Battle for Christmas as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

As a longtime reader of Christmas histories, I thought I knew most of what there was to know about the holiday, but Nissenbaum’s book continually and consistently surprised me! While reading, I found myself taking notes and jotting down instances of forgotten customs and traditions, determined to work some of them into my own celebrations of the holiday going forward!

It is truly inspirational to know that my favorite holiday has been a part of the American fabric for hundreds of years now and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of those who love it so much. 

From Jason's list on Christmas and the Holiday Season.

If you love The Battle for Christmas...

Ad

Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

Want books like The Battle for Christmas?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 80 books like The Battle for Christmas.

Browse books like The Battle for Christmas

Book cover of The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil
Book cover of A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings
Book cover of Christmas: A Candid History

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like The Battle for Christmas, you might also like...

Aggressor by FX Holden,

Book cover of Aggressor

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

5 book lists we think you will like!