The True Gifts of Christmas

Caitrin Bennett reviews Megan Alexander's new coffee table book highlighting some of our most cherished Christmas traditions. 

The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning Behind Our Most Cherished Traditions

By Megan Alexander

Published by Loyola Press

Joy to the World 

Few things spark joy like Christmastime! When that time of year finally rolls around, we are all excited to break out our favorite decorations, songs, and recipes. I enjoyed reviewing The True Gifts of Christmas in the dog days of mid-August, because it reminded me of all that is coming in just a few months. And who better to compile a list of these “true gifts” than Megan Alexander, host of the television show Small Town Christmas? 

Megan’s holiday cheer and love for the season comes through on every page of this colorful, inviting coffee table book. For each of the 25 days of December leading up to Christmas day, she briefly explains the significance behind one “true gift of Christmas.” These range from songs such as “Silent Night,” to decorations like Christmas stockings and wreaths, to religious symbols like the nativity scene. Megan then invites the reader to interact with that tradition in a new way this Advent, creating a new family tradition or just pausing to reflect on the meanings she has revealed.   

Christmas Magic 

I am definitely looking forward to having this book out during Advent this year. I know my oldest daughter, who can read, will ask me constantly, “Can we do this? How about this one?” My younger boys will still enjoy flipping through the book, taking in the beautiful full-color photography on every page. We could easily incorporate the one-page reading about the gift of the day into our dinner or bedtime-story routine, and I’m sure we will try out one or two of Megan’s family recipes that are sprinkled throughout the book. 

While Megan is a practicing Catholic and discusses the story of Saint Nicholas and a few other Christian symbols, I wouldn’t describe this book as overtly religious. It would make a sweet gift for any neighbor or friend who loves the Christmas season, with just a gentle nudge to look beneath the surface and find the true source of Christmas joy: Jesus, our newborn King. 

Ask for The True Gifts of Christmas at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Loyola Press.

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Caitrin Bennett
Images: Canva