This is a collection of philosophical essays with a Christmas bent. Samuel McChord Crothers (1857-1927) was a Unitarian minister and writer of essays in the manner of Charles Lamb. Essays include "The Bayonet-Poker," "On Being A Doctrinaire," "Christmas and the Literature of Disillusion," "The Ignominy of Being Grown-Up," and "Christmas and the Spirit of Democracy." Beautifully illustrated by Frances B. Comstock. The illustrations have a fantasy Art Nouveau quality, reminiscent of Lord of the Rings.