THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
Tiny tots shout gleefully from their beds: “Wake up! Wake up! / It’s Christmas day! // Santa’s been here, / and it’s time to play.” They scurry downstairs to exchange presents with their family. But then it starts to snow. The neighborhood kids rush out to sled, make snow angels, and build snowmen. Adding to this endless string of idyllic moments, it’s time to bake dessert together, and then gather round the table for a bountiful meal. After bundling up and heading outside for joyful caroling, one youngster questions the nature of gifts. The adult explains: “Santa gives gifts, / and your family does too, // because of the gift from above / that’s been given to you.” Confusingly, the next page turn reveals Santa flying through the sky, which may link “the gift from above” to him in some readers’ minds, though a baby in a manger is visible on the page of a book an adult reads with the children. Complete with distinct Precious Moments teardrop-shaped eyes (even the snowman) and endless cheer, affection, and comfort, this package exudes warmth. There are no holiday missteps in this family. Almost everyone is pale-skinned—similar to the original porcelain figurines—but a few peripheral characters have darker tones. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
