by Joe Queenan
First published 2016
Joe Queenan gathers sharp Christmas observations from conservative humorists including P.J. O'Rourke, Christopher Buckley, and Jonah Goldberg. The collection draws material from The Christmas Virtues and presents it in compact form. Writers deliver barbs about holiday shopping as contact sport and sales at Crate & Barrel mixing with Jesus's birth. They celebrate family chaos and children racing downstairs in pajamas. Stephen F. Hayes's daughter protests taking down decorations by defending Santa and baby Jesus. Christopher Buckley offers a prayer to Joseph about assembling toys and finding hex keys. The authors balance snark with genuine appreciation for Christmas traditions. They advocate for keeping Christ in Christmas and placing family at the holiday's center. The book serves readers seeking both laughs and reflection during the season. Writers acknowledge the madness of family gatherings while finding joy in the weirdness.
Genres: christmas, humor, contemporary, comedy
Vibes: humorous, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, snark-with-heart
96 pages · Hardcover · Templeton Press