A Christmas Treasury
Twelve Unforgettable Holiday Stories

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" is a statement many modern Americans grew up hearing. It's from an editorial letter is response to a young girl's query in 1897. Although the letter and answer were printed in the newspaper for the next 50 years or so, it isn't any longer. It is one of the 12 stories or excerpts collected here in A Christmas Treasury.

A favorite short story of mine when I was growing up was "The Gift of the Magi" by O'Henry. It's poignant ending got to me when I was ten and still hasn't lost that quality. I was glad for the chance to read it again and know where I'll be able to fine it easily next December if I want to re-read it again.

I had never read L. Frank Baum's version of Santa Claus before. By the time he published his version Clayton Moore's famous poem had been around for decades and was unshakeable. But Baum has his own twist that was fun to read in this excerpt from "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus ".For example, his first two reindeer were Flossie and Glossie. He ended up with a team of ten reindeer. There are more stories, such as the beginning of Christmas stockings, fruit for Christmas as well as toy, etc.

There are excerpts from other classics, such as the Christmas scene from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, the novelization of Miracle on 34th Street by Todd Strasser, My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George, The Fir-Tree by Hans Christian Andersen, A Christmas Memory, One Christmas & The Thanksgiving Visitor by Truman Capote, and The Cat Who Came for Christmas by Cleveland Amory.

Other excerpt includes from Santa Paws by Nicholas Edwards and Angels and Other Strangers by Katerine Paterson. Another of my all time favorite Christmas stories has the remaining excerpt - The Best Christmas Pagent Ever by Barbara Robsinson. I have loved the quirky Christmas story since the first time I heard it over 25 years ago. If you haven't found it yet, read the children's novel. It's great.

This collection from Scholastic Books is a wonderful collection for children and adults alike. I found it at the Friends of the Library bookstore. It's staying on my shelf to be available next Christmas, too.