This book is about a recent widow who isn't in the mood for Christmas, yet slowly realizes with each secret gift left for her family that it isn't about her, its about the miracle of Christmas to a child. I found myself trying to connect the simple surprise gifts with the poem/song about the 12 days of Christmas, I found myself with much more empathy for the author. Loved reading of her relatives, co workers, friends who shared their concerns with her, and even smiled when I read how she drove over the tree stand to take out some of her pain. The description of the tree they chose reminded me of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree in so many ways.
What made this book well worth the read, was the children's personalities and how they each viewed the surprise gifts being left on the porch, and how the author does such a wonderful job showing each of their personalities and serious as well as humorous take on life.
Highly recommend this book for a hospice support group library, for pastors, therapists, family and friends of someone who has lost a spouse and has children or does not have children, as well as for your local library.
And consider paying it forward to someone near you. They need not be someone who has lost a spouse, but it could be someone who has a family member who is seriously ill, or someone who is out of work. Even an elderly person who is alone and could use a bit of joy in their life during the holiday season. I even suggest reading a chapter aloud as a family starting in December and then talk about the chapter and lessons learned.
Book compensated and provided by blogging for books.
