CHRISTMAS IS COMING

A Polish import matches together Christmastime traditions from many parts of the globe.

This in-depth cataloging of different Christmas celebrations worldwide draws ties and similarities among meals, decorations, activities, and more. The book opens with a no-nonsense discussion of whether or not Dec. 25 truly was Jesus’ birthday, stating, “to this day nobody knows…exactly when he was born.” From there it provides an overview of different kinds of celebrations and stories related to the season. The focus is strongly Eurocentric, though mention is made of observances in Colombia, the Philippines, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico, New Zealand, Venezuela, Japan, Ethiopia, and more. However, while the book aims to be international it maintains its very Polish roots throughout, using Polish customs as a reference point in the way that many U.S. readers are accustomed to seeing theirs. A long section is dedicated to Wigilia, or Poland’s Christmas Eve vigil (when “we eagerly await the birth of the most wonderful child in the world”), for instance, and a section on E.T.A. Hoffman’s famous Nutcracker story points out its Polish origins. The illustrations are colorful but miss some prime opportunities. Who wouldn’t want to see the pooping Tió de Nadal log of Catalonia as children hit it with sticks or watch Venezuelans rollerblade to midnight Mass? Far worse, the art sometimes dips deep into cultural stereotypes, portraying residents of Japan with slitted eyes and yellow skin.

Despite intentions, both limited in scope and flawed in execution.