A Woman's Christmas

This selection of the best writing by Irish women about the season of holly, reindeer, carols, children, family gatherings, romance, fond memories, puddings, cakes and culinary extravaganzas. The collection celebrates Irish Christmases of the past, from Peig Sayer's in West Kerry to Maura Laverty's in Ballinderry. But is also focuses on contemporary writing: Maeve Binchy's exploration of the human spirit; Terry Prone's "Butterfly Christmas"; Jennifer Johnston's dying heroine in "A Christmas Tree"; and Mary Beckett's "Anti-Santy". Terry Prone is the author of "Blood Brothers, Soul Sisters".