The True Gifts of Christmas by Megan Alexander is such a sweet reminder of what the holiday season is really about. Instead of getting caught up in the rush of presents and to-do lists, this book points back to the simple, meaningful parts of Christmas—faith, love, family, and giving. I enjoyed how the author shares personal stories and reflections in a way that feels warm and approachable, almost like chatting with a friend. It’s the kind of book you can pick up in quiet moments with a cup of coffee and feel instantly encouraged. The short chapters make it easy to read here and there during the busy season, but the message lingers long after. I think it would make a wonderful gift or even a little tradition to revisit each December. Overall, it’s a heartfelt, grounding read that helps bring the focus back to joy and gratitude. I will be gifting this to several friends, family members and Sunday School volunteers!

This is a great, easy to read book. Good for a coffee table book, guide to celebrating the holiday season, or splurge of time with some hot chocolate. It is a mix of history, folklore, crafts, recipes and general holiday cheer. Easy to read and would be great for teenagers through grandparents. Overall happy with this book. The author is a practicing Catholic, but this book has something to offer for those who are secular, protestant or just exploring the Christmas season with family.

In the true gifts of Christmas, Megan Alexander who is a beloved television host and a best selling author takes us through the back story on all the Christmas traditions from our childhood. It’s neat seeing why our parents and ourselves are doing certain Christmas traditions. To find the meaning behind simple things like stockings was so neat.

In this book, the author highlights 25 beloved Christmas traditions, presenting them in such a way that we can help our family focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Each entry begins with vivid photographs and a brief scripture or other quote. She then shares the origins and symbolism of these traditions, encouraging us to reflect on the gift of Christ's birth and to spread Joy to others. Her simple yet thought-provoking insights have me excited for Christmas!
I can see this book being used in a variety of ways ...
* as a gift
* as a daily reflection time with your family
* as a springboard for simple, but special, family activities (which may require the parent to read ahead for planning purposes)
Thank you to NetGalley for the Advance Read.

What an inspirational book, it is beautiful, and a unique way to count down the 25 days of Christmas. It will make a wonderful Christmas gift that I think people will use year after year. Each day will tell you about a certain Christmas item. I see a new Christmas tradition for my house and I will buy some to give to people, I know will love to share this with their family every year. I have a collection of classic books that have been passed down to me, and I am adding this one to my collection to pass down with the other ones.
I received an ARC Loyola Press through NetGalley.

The true gifts of Christmas are beautifully featured in this book by Megan Alexander. An author, actress, correspondent for Inside Edition, executive director and tv host for Small Town Christmas; Alexander has a heart for cherished traditions.
I received an e-copy of this book from Loyola Press via NetGalley. This is my own unsolicited opinion of this book. This entire project is a gift to those of us who love the season of celebration. It is written with heartfelt care. It is filled with beautiful photos that inspire the warmth and love of Christmas.
Symbolism has been a foundation for the Holy season. Do you know that the wreath is symbolic of everlasting life in Jesus and hanging it on a door is a sign that He is welcome? Gift giving honors the first gifts brought to Jesus by the Magi. Do you know that the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas refers to the time from Christ's birth to epiphany?
This book is a treasure trove of tradition, folk lore, Scripture, legends, recipes and more. There are 25 chapters with information, suggestions for family activities, quotes and more. This book is great for the entire season for your family or as a gift for anyone who loves Christmas.

The True Gifts of Christmas is a close look at twenty-five of the most beloved Christmas symbols and traditions. By Megan Alexander this book gives historical background, how to cherish them in your family’s celebrations and how to share with others. I especially liked the easy and child-friendly items and photos that are with each symbol or tradition. The background information is Christian in nature. Some of the explanations are not as researched as perhaps they could be. However, this comes from the approach of a family centered context. With recipes, activities and photos it makes for a great coffee table hardcover book for grandparents, parents and children to pour over planning several special Christmas activities.

This one didn’t translate well to my Kindle. I liked the content., but I personally didn’t find anything original about it.

I received a free copy of The True Gifts of Christmas, by Megan Alexander, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I love Megan Alexanders, Christmas show, so I was intrigued to read her latest book. This book takes us through 25 days of December, with recipes, things to do with your family and friends, and the history of Christmas, I really enjoyed this book.

This is going to be in every gift I give out this Christmas. It was absolutely darling!!!! I could not put it down. What a beautiful book! Hands down the perfect gift. And great coffee table book.

Rating: 5 ⭐️
Pub Date: August 11, 2025
How I Read It: 📱


This book is so beautifully designed. It’s a countdown to Christmas, 25 days of Christmas traditions. Each day has the history of the tradition, a heartwarming story from the author, and a way to honor or create your own family tradition/memory out of each Christmas tradition. The layout and photos in this book are GORGEOUS. This is a book your family can pull out each Christmas and treasure for years to come. It’s also a great coffee table book for visitors to flip through. If you’re looking for a warm, cozy Christmas book that stays true to the holiday’s Christian roots and traditions, this book is absolute perfection!

Themes
Faith
Christmas

Thank you Loyola Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!