The Perfect Christmas Gift

by Sandy Heitmeier Thompson

Overview

Brothers Brett and Blake are excited to fly up north to spend Christmas with Grandma, especially since the boys know that Grandma might be feeling a little lonesome without Grandpa this year. The weather is cold and snowy where Grandma lives, and the boys are tasked with searching for a Christmas tree in the woods. They meet a partridge named Penelope, who helps guide them through the snowy forest. Penelope and the brothers quickly become friends, and the wise bird teaches the boys about living and surviving in cold weather. The boys realize that Penelope, who has lived a long time and is very smart, reminds them of someone—Grandma! Brett, Blake, and Penelope work together to come up with the perfect gift for Grandma that will make this Christmas extra special.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940162789161
Publisher:	Covenant Books
Publication date:	09/18/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB
Age Range:	6 - 8 Years

About the Author

During Mrs. Thompson’s teaching years, she would ask her students about their favorite parts of the Christmas season. One little boy told her he liked it when he and his family went to a Christmas tree farm to cut down their tree. A young girl told Mrs. Thompson she liked hearing Christmas songs, singing in her church choir, and going Christmas caroling. Several students relished the homemade meals and desserts and enjoyed baking cookies with their families. Sprinkling oats and glitter on the lawn for the reindeer on Christmas Eve was a favorite of many. Lighting a fire in the fireplace, licking candy canes, and drinking hot chocolate would also consistently come up in the discussion. The gifts and treats in the stockings from Santa were always appreciated; and the little ones liked the colorful lights, whimsically decorated neighborhoods, and festive stores. The movies, parties, games, and time spent with family and friends were always mentioned. And last but not least, every student made sure to mention the two weeks they would get off of school.
After everyone expressed his or her feelings, Mrs. Thompson would then begin her own favorite part of the holiday. Each child in her class would pick a small piece of paper from Santa’s hat. These pieces of paper contained names of children who were in a hospital, foster home, or orphanage. Mrs. Thompson would then ask if her students and their parents could donate a gift to that child so that the class could make these children’s Christmas a little extra special. Every year Mrs. Thomson was amazed by the kindness and generosity of the students and their parents. Many didn’t bring in just one gift, they brought three or more. The feelings of holiday cheer and goodwill were shared by all. Many of the children and adults shed tears of happiness, knowing that the gift of giving is the most important part of this magical time of the year.