Publisher's Weekly Review
DePaola begins with a historical note that surely will intrigue children: in Colonial New England, the celebration of Christmas was shunned in many villages. He depicts the arrival of a German family into one such town, showing their careful, loving preparations. Their efforts begin in autumn, when bayberries are picked and candles made; they continue throughout the fall, until apples are dried and strung, cookies and pretzels are baked, ``hearts of man'' and other paper ornaments are snipped and, finally, candles are lit in every window. This provides a fascinating look at Christmas as it once was: a holiday whose customs were entwined with the season's natural bounty. The emphasis is on the joys of preparation and of quiet, heartfelt observance; refreshingly, gift-giving is not a concern. This is a warm and beautifully realized tribute to the spirit and traditions of the season. Ages 4-8. (October) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Kirkus Review
A German family brings Christmas to an early 19th-century New England village. In a time When Christmas was not widely celebrated in the US, a ""Christmas Family"" arrives as immigrants. As the holiday approaches, they joyously prepare--dipping bayberry candles, making decorations for the tree, and baking Christmas cookies. When all is complete, the final tradition is observed--lighted candles are placed in each window to welcome the coming of the Christ Child, and the family gathers to sing carols and hear the Bible story of the birth of Jesus. DePaola shows us each traditional preparation in gleeful detail, from gold-painted walnuts and papercut decorations for the tree to Christmas cookies in the shapes of tulips, lovebirds, and ""hearts in hand."" His brightly colored, folk-art style nicely complements his story of one family's way of celebrating Christmas. Avoiding holiday sentimentality without sacrificing joy in the season, this is a nice addition to holiday book collections. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Ages 5-8. Simple narrative and expressive art in soft colors capture the traditions and moods of Christmas as it was celebrated in a colonial New England village.
