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What can you say about a holiday on which we invite a strange old bearded man to break and enter our house-- and leave him a snack for his troubles? Imagine an illustrated " urban legends" collection devoted to Christmas and you'll understand this fact-packed compilation of curiosities, lists, and anecdotes dealing with a worldwide holiday that has become as much an orgy of consumerism as it is a sacred celebration.

Many crimes and catastrophes have taken place around Christmas and this book recounts them all, along with strange customs from many lands (e.g., the African nation that celebrates Christmas by eating fried caterpillars), the many peculiar incarnations of Santa Claus, and some truly hair-raising gifts people have been known to give one another. Weird Christmas is a fresh, irreverent look at a heartfelt tradition.

Illustrated with cunning original artwork by Lisa Weber as well as black-and-white photographs, this gift-worthy little volume goes behind the scenes at the Christmas pageant for a smart, funny, and eye-opening look at the biggest day on the calendar.