It's no wonder there is a perennial quest for meaning in Christmas. Who wouldn't be confused when a religious holiday becomes a source of stress, debt, overwork, family tension and, sometimes, terror for small children who don't want to sit on Santa's lap. When it comes to understanding the meaning of Christmas, books can help. Here are some 2008 titles, some funny, some inspiring, catching attention:

* "Holidays on Ice," by best-selling author David Sedaris. Ten years ago, this book helped bring Sedaris' humor to prominence. Now a new edition includes new tales. One is titled "Season's Greetings to Our Friends And Family!!!" It's the parody of a Christmas newsletter, in which a family breaks down after the arrival of a half-child from overseas. So which is closer to the truth? The fluffy letters you really get, or a depressed aunt wreaking havoc?

* You might also like Denise Joyce and Nancy Watkin, whose book, "Scared of Santa: Scenes of Terror in Toyland," is a collection of photos of screaming toddlers forced to have a picture taken with Santa.

* "The Story of Christmas: Storybook Set & Advent Calendar," from Workman Publishing. The set includes miniature books that recount parts of the Christmas story.

* "Christmas Cookies Bite-Size Holiday Lessons," the second in a series by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jane Dyer. Children learn about Christmas through the context of making cookies.

"A Present for Santa Claus" by David Wood. This pop-up book about a boy named Sam who wonders whether anyone gives Santa a gift, features a three-dimensional rendition of Santa's cottage.

* "Amazing Peace: A Celebration by Maya Angelou," in which she calls for peace at all times. She first read this poem in 2005 at the White House tree-lighting ceremony.

* "The Miracle Jar: A Hanukkah Story" by Audrey Penn and illustrated by Lea Lyon. It tells history and traditions of the Jewish Festival of Lights through an old-country family.

* "Celebrate Kwanzaa" by Carolyn Otto, including photographs and recipes about the holiday of harvest and black heritage.