The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t

K-Gr 2–This colorful title opens with an advent countdown to Christmas. It’s “three more sleeps” until Christmas, and tomorrow Aidan’s grandma and grandpa come visit for the holiday. However, a late-night storm throws a wrench into the family’s traditional plans. Without electricity, heat, a big meal to share with loved ones, or hot water for bath time, Christmas is most definitely not the same this year. Even worse, the play at church is canceled and Aidan, the “star” of Bethlehem, is crushed. Rather than letting the circumstances keep them down, Aidan and his father squeeze joy out of a tough time by visiting neighbors and spreading cheer wherever they go. As Christmas evening arrives, Aidan finds a connection with the Bible—disappointment and hope coexist in both the story of Jesus and in his own, as the magic of the season envelops him warmly. This story shows readers what holidays are often all about: perseverance, love, community, and faith.