Oliver and Toby have a respect for each other, masked by their competitive leanings. They both learn a valuable lesson; Oliver takes an opportunity to help and include Toby, and Toby learns that a friendship offered needs to be accepted to achieve a form of redemption. The real meaning of Christmas is fully explored in this book and the conclusion is both satisfying and, at the same time, astonishing. There are more things in heaven and on earth to occupy their minds, and it becomes apparent that there are not always easy explanations for some of the strange and wonderful things that begin to happen as they celebrate the onset of Christmas. There are acts of kindness and grace that are repaid in mysterious ways that cannot be explained if we continue to be blind to magic and the power of love.