This volume investigates the diverse cultural expressions of the Christmas season across the United States through the medium of documentary photography. David C. Cohen curates a collection of images from one hundred professional photographers to provide a visual record of American holiday traditions. The book utilizes a chronological framework, tracking the evolution of the season from the onset of Thanksgiving preparations through the finality of Epiphany. By synthesizing these varied perspectives, the work offers a comprehensive look at how different regions and communities engage with the holiday.

The subject matter points to a comprehensive visual archive that serves as a historical snapshot of American holiday traditions in the late twentieth century. The framing suggests a broad, accessible collection intended for those interested in cultural anthropology and the art of documentary photography.