These fifteen short stories gathered by Susan Koppelman combine all the great themes of Christmas. They were written by American women over the last one hundred and twenty years, and all but two were published in the Christmas issue of a popular magazine or newspaper. There are stories of joyful family reunions, reconciliations, and renewals of the spirit. Some speak of the pain of those who are excluded or exclude themselves from the celebration; others are filled with the bitter ironies of those who betray the meaning of the season. Finally, there are stories about those whose holiday is not Christmas and for whom the season is a curious or threatening imposition on their lives. Written by artists whose literary craft is exceptional and whose imaginations are visionary, these rich and insightful stories will continue to reward on repeated readings.