''For those of us for whom the meaning of Christmas has been all but lost in an increasingly nasty blizzard of commercialism, this book provides a lovely and even necessary antidote. Here you will find stories of celebrations (some of them surprisingly rowdy) and Santas and parades and traditions held dear, from big towns and small, told across the years. A marvellous book that would be right at home under anyone's Christmas tree.'' Rick Kogan, author, Chicago Tribune columnist, and WGN radio host ''James Ballowe has captured the story of Christmas in Illinois as a 'cultural index' of the state's rich ethnic and landscape diversity as only a scholar with the heart of a poet can do. From his engaging introduction to the diverse stories he has assembled, Christmas in Illinois provides new insights into the celebration of Christmas in America.'' Bonnie W. Styles, director, Illinois State Museum
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