During the cold days of winter, what could be more enjoyable than cozying up by a fire with a mug of hot chocolate, a plate of festive cookies, and a delightful holiday read that transports to another place and time? Our ancestors have blessed us with many wonderful legends, some based on real people, others figments of a great imagination. Folklore often varies by country and even by region, so there are plenty of tales to entertain us throughout the winter season.

Yuletide Fables and Christmas Lore

Last year, I visited the Cambria Christmas Market, a brilliant light display along with depictions of Yuletide characters. That is where I first encountered Krampus. People, or creatures, of myth have delighted, or frightened, children for generations. The legend of Krampus, Hans Trapp, and many others are recounted in Tim Rayborn’s book, The Scary Book of Christmas Lore: 50 Terrifying Yuletide Tales from Around the World.

But perhaps you prefer something more whimsical. Just published this month, is a book by Helen Peterssen, Magical Winter Legends: Jack Frost and other Timeless Tales (The Anthology of Timeless Magic) which includes eight fairy tales filled with the magic of the season.

Stories Behind Christmas Traditions

Have you ever wondered why a candy cane is red and white? These children’s books tell the origins of some common traditions:

The Legends of Christmas Treasury: Inspirational Stories of Faith and Giving by Dandi Daley Mackall and Lori Walburg. This little book contains the story of the candy cane, why we bake cookies, and what makes St. Nicholas so special.

Legend of the Christmas Stocking by Rick Osbourne and James Griffin. A young boy discovers the meaning behind the hanging and filling of Christmas stockings, along with lessons about kindness and generosity.

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola, Did you know in Mexico, the poinsettia is called the flower of the Holy Night? This story tells the legend of how the poinsettia came to be.

The Legend of the Christmas Tree by Pat Matuszak. The story tells how the evergreen tree became the symbol of Christmas.

The History of St. Nicholas, Hanukkak, and Kwanzaa

We know him by different names: St. Nick, Santa Claus, and Père Noel, to name a few. But who is the real St. Nicholas. To dive deeper into the man behind this legend, check out Theresa White’s new children’s book, The Legend of Christmas: An Untold Story of the Real St. Nicholas. This book details the life of this famous saint that goes beyond just leaving gifts for the children and begins with his childhood.

I only found a few books containing Jewish legends about Hanukkah for adults. For an in-depth history, read Hanukkah: Oy to the World: the History, the Legend, the Holiday by Aaron Brachfeld. I had hear the story of how one day of oil kept the menorah in the temple burning for eight days, but it was not until this year that I heard the name Judas Maccabeus. Obviously there is so much I still need to learn about this holiday. For a quicker, lighter read, try The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler.

Although new by historical standards, Kwanzaa has reached an age where it is old enough to be included in historical fiction. This African-American holiday, originated in 1966 with activist Maulana Karenga. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26-January 1, with each day dedicated to a different principle. To learn about this holiday and what values it celebrates, read Together for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford.

However you celebrate this winter season, learning about other cultures and their traditions is always a fascinating adventure. Happy holidays and happy reading!