If you like Tasha Tudor, you're probably already familiar with Becky's Birthday and Becky's Christmas. If not, you may be surprised by a few of the odd Tasha-Tudorish details that make up Becky's family traditions. The only other place I've ever heard of sitting around a candle during the holidays and telling stories to curl your hair is the line about "scary ghost stories" in that rather odd song "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."
However, Becky's family also includes many Christian traditions in their celebration: an Advent wreath and handmade Advent calendars (although they begin them on December 6th, very unusual); a Nativity scene; carol singing. There's no mention of church; there's more emphasis on strong family traditions and the love between family members, as well as appreciation of country life, crafts and artistry. Becky is making all her Christmas gifts, but unlike Anna and Edith, she has everything well in hand: she's weaving a rag rug on a very intimidating-looking loom at her grandmother's house, and she's also able to knit and cross-stitch without much fuss being made over it. (Does anyone remember Jane's "brockated bag" in The Middle Moffat?)
Becky's mother and grandmother also seem like people to be reckoned with.
Becky's family always cooked their turkey before the open fire in the tin kitchen instead of in an oven.
Becky and Grannie had spent a fall afternoon cutting and dyeing the rags [for Becky's rug].
[Becky] went to the attic and got some catnip from among the herbs hanging there.
When they got home Mother had an extra treat in store. She and Kitty had made the large gingerbreads for the tree, and after tea Mother said they would all decorate them.I would think Mother is going to need a good rest on Boxing Day.
Overall it's a book to enjoy, not to nitpick about too much. And Becky's Christmas gift (that secret thing her whole family is working on) really is worth waiting for.
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