The twelve pieces
The stories, country by country
Each piece opens with an introduction that says who wrote it, where and when, and what a reader at the time would have known without being told. After each one comes a question to talk about together.
England
United States of America
The Gift of the MagiEach gift in this story is useless by the end of the day. Do you think O. Henry is right to call the givers wise?
Christmas in Their Own WordsDouglass and Jacobs describe the same week in different ways. What does each of them want the reader to understand about it?
Christmas PoemsDunbar wrote some poems in standard English and some in the spoken words of the people he grew up among. Read one of each aloud, slowly and with care. What does each kind of poem let you hear?
The Story of the Other Wise ManArtaban never reaches the king in Bethlehem. Did he fail? What would you say to him at the end of his journey?
Is There a Santa Claus?Church never says exactly who or what Santa Claus is. What does he say is real, and do you agree with him?
A Visit from St. NicholasThe narrator never speaks to St. Nicholas, and St. Nicholas speaks only as he leaves. Why do you think the poem keeps him almost silent?Denmark
Sweden
Ukraine
Russia
Australia
The whole book
All twelve stories, with every note, map and illustration
The ebook is US$9.99. It includes the twelve-day reading plan, three essays, a glossary and the guide to writing your own Christmas story.
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