Resources
Books, toys, music, and more — curated by Gerry D. Click any item to see the full details and Gerry's take. 🎄
6 items
Totally Tubular '80s Toys
Author: Bill Bruegman
A comprehensive visual guide to the toys that defined the decade. From G.I. Joe to Cabbage Patch Kids — full of catalog photos and nostalgia.
The Drunken Botanist
Author: Amy Stewart
For those holiday party drinks — a beautifully written exploration of the botanical origins of spirits and cocktails.
Encyclopedia of Christmas and New Year's Celebrations
Author: Tanya Gulevich
Over 240 entries covering every aspect of Christmas and New Year's traditions, symbols, legends, and lore from around the world.
Christmas in the Crosshairs
Author: Gerry Bowler
A fascinating deep-dive into the two-thousand-year war over Christmas — who celebrates it, who opposes it, and why the holiday has always been contested.
The Autobiography of Santa Claus
Author: Jeff Guinn
Santa Claus tells his own story — from fourth-century bishop to modern-day icon — weaving together real history with charming fiction.
A Christmas Story: The Book That Inspired the Hilarious Classic Film
Author: Jean Shepherd
Jean Shepherd's semi-autobiographical stories that became the foundation for the beloved 1983 film. Laugh-out-loud funny and deeply nostalgic — essential '80s Christmas reading.