Lovely watercolor illustrations complement a nostalgic story centering on the Ansterburg family's Christmas in 1881. They live on a homestead in northern climes (the author grew up in rural Michigan). Provides a bit of info on how families of the time period prepared for winter and protected themselves & their livestock from frigid weather. Highlights how the family appreciated and utilized an apple tree on their property. The sadness at the loss of the tree is mitigated by the gifts it produces for all of them. The simplicity of their holiday rituals is refreshing compared to most present day trappings.

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