The long-standing tradition of Christmas Gif' and other African-American Christmas practices and writings were detailed three decades ago in the original edition of this classic anthology. From Christian to secular in theme, the assemblage of Christmas stories, poems, memories, spirituals and recipes reflects a rich cultural heritage. The anthology includes writings by Gwendolyn Brooks, Countee Cullen, Frederick Douglass, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Lorenz Graham, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston and Gabriela Mistral. In the introduction, Mrs. Augusta Baker comments on the scarcity of culturally authentic Christmas selections before Librarian Charlemae Hill Rollins collected such material with children and families in her Chicago community in mind. Artist Ashley Bryan's more than five dozen original black-and-white linoleum prints illustrate or decorate every page spread, complementing the multiple moods within this elegant and appealing new edition. (All ages)