As the zookeeper makes final rounds on Christmas Eve, all the animals begin to stir and make quite a lot of commotion. The zookeeper does his best to restore order, but gradually things get so out of hand that a surprising person is needed to restore calm to what should be a tranquil night.

After a massive row with her parents over intolerable relatives, Katie finds herself all alone for the holidays. So she heads for the one place in town where everyone is welcome on Christmas Eve, the legendary Purple Owl Café. The Purple Owl Café has a chequered sixty-year history. These days it's not just a place for good music and conversation, it also happens to be a lesbian bar. Katie doesn't mind, though so far her life was too busy for romance of any kind. But that's about to change when Katie meets Jess at the Christmas Eve party at the Purple Owl Café… This is a short and sweet holiday romance of 4700 words or approximately 16 print pages.

ON A DARK CHRISTMAS NIGHT 25 Holiday Spook Classics & Murder Mysteries gathers together an exceptional anthology that bridges the festive cheer of the holiday season with the intriguing shadows of mystery and the supernatural. This collection boasts an impressive palette of literary styles, weaving through the eerie corridors of gothic tales, the enigmatic puzzles of classic mysteries, and the chilling whispers of ghost stories. It illuminates the oft-overlooked darker side of Christmas literature, promising to surprise and captivate readers with its unique juxtaposition of holiday warmth against a backdrop of suspense and spectral ambiance. The range of narratives included showcases the versatility and innovation of its celebrated contributors, making it a standout compilation in the genre of holiday literature. The anthology is curated by a distinguished assembly of authors whose names are synonymous with the pinnacle of English literature and the development of the mystery and supernatural genres. Figures such as Charles Dickens, recognized for intertwining the spectral with the festive, and Arthur Conan Doyle, master of the detective story, contribute to the anthologys rich canvas of holiday noir. The collection not only aligns with the literary movements of Gothic and Victorian mystery but also reflects the eras fascination with the ghostly and the macabre, breathing new life into the traditional Christmas narrative. By combining the works of such illustrious writers, this anthology provides a multifaceted exploration of the themes of redemption, duality, and the supernatural that these holidays evoke. ON A DARK CHRISTMAS NIGHT is an invitation to readers to venture beyond the conventional holiday tales into a realm where the festive spirit meets the mysterious and the uncanny. It offers a unique opportunity to revel in the mastery of classic storytelling while exploring the complex intersection of joy and fear, celebration and contemplation. This collection is an indispensable addition for those who seek to deepen their appreciation of literary craftsmanship and are intrigued by the shadowy dimensions of holiday lore. Its educational value and the rich dialogue it fosters between the different authors works make it a must-read for enthusiasts of literature, history, and the arts alike.

From the manger of Jesus Christ to the 21st century, this encyclopedia explores more than 2,000 years of Christmas past and present through 966 entries packed with a wide variety of historical and pop-culture subjects. Entries detail customs and traditions from around the world as well as classic Christmas movies, TV series/specials and animated cartoons. Arranged alphabetically by entry name, the book includes the historical background of popular sacred and secular songs as well as accounts of beloved literary works with Christmas themes from such noted authors as Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott, Hans Christian Andersen, Pearl Buck, Henry Van Dyke and others. All things Christmas are available here in one comprehensive volume.

First published in 1933 (this edition in 1939), this book sees Partridge introducing the reader to the eccentric lexicographers Wesley and Captain Grose. In an entertaining way, the book jovially explores and discusses various words and phrases such as "bloody", euphemisms, the Devil’s nicknames, various versions of slang, and familiar terms of address. He does so with light-worn learning making the book of interest to a whole variety of readers.

Includes music.

Originally published in 1903, this is an excellent source for an historical perspective on superstitions and folklore. Hundreds of entries are arranged alphabetically within broad subject categories. The original subtitle reads: "A comprehensive library of human belief and practice in the mysteries of life through more than six thousand years of experience and progress including the fundamental intuitions and instincts underlying the structure of civilization, theology, mythology, demonology, magic, witchcraft, esoteric philosophy, signs, omens, oracles, sorceries, auguries, divinations, prophecies, methods and means employed in revealing fortune and fate, systems and formulas for the use of psychical forces, hypnotism, clairvoyance, telepathy, spiritualism, character reading and character building with all the known powers and wonders of mind and soul, illustrated with numerous ancient and modern designs and thoroughly indexed."

This book will examine some of the perspectives of reality that can help us realize the pattern of our recovery. In our notions of improvement there are elements of value and worth, which stress direction and evaluation. These elements are closely related to rationale, aim and goal. We call them wishes. Christianity does not just talk of desire. Appeal often falls short of action. The reality of healing through our faith is directed by divine action. Theologians write about concepts like covenant, sacrifice, depravity and vindication. And they put meanings in those terms which often escape the “man on the street.” We will look at some of these perceptions in our study of this reality. Love is demonstrated in our acts. Sometimes the Bible writers refer to this as ‘right-doing’ of loving response. Our love finds its convincing expression in good acts. Actions attract equivalence from others. Educators refer to this the contrast between cognition and affection.