THE MANY LOVES OF CHRISTMAS, the third title from husband and wife team Thomas and Nanette Kinkade, follows their bestselling THE MANY LOVES OF MARRIAGE and THE MANY LOVES OF PARENTING.

As America's most collected living artist, Thomas Kinkade's creations have become virtually ubiquitous, but the artwork of the famed "Painter of Light" is framed nicely in this edition, with his dreamy images made all the more inviting by their depiction of holiday cheer.

The first of the series's titles to be released as a gift book, this volume features more of Thomas's award-winning artwork than the previous two. The book's small page count makes it rather spare compared to the earlier ones, but as a seasonal title and as an art book it largely succeeds.

Highlighting personal reminiscences of Christmastime traditions the couple has observed during their more than 20 years of marriage, the book offers readers a holiday glimpse into the hearth-and-home philosophy Thomas espouses through his artwork. With alternating reflections from Thomas and Nanette, readers are welcome to savor the sense of visiting with the Kinkades over a cup of Christmas tea.

"There is just a little bit of Christmas in every one of my paintings," writes the celebrated artist. Thomas shares what he means by describing how he signs all of his artwork not only with his name but also with the Christian symbol of a fish and the scripture reference of John 3:16, reminding everyone of the Christ of Christmas.

In the chapter titled "Happy Birthday, Jesus," Nanette shares the Kinkade family tradition of making a birthday cake on Christmas Eve, putting candles on it and singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus before blowing out the candles. As for Santa Claus, he's the equivalent of the birthday clown who helps with the party, she explains.

While the Kinkade's way of celebrating the holidays admittedly may not be everyone's cup of tea, THE MANY LOVES OF CHRISTMAS is likely to resonate with longtime Kinkade fans as well as countless others trying to tune out the call of the mall in favor of tuning in to the reason for the season.