Christmas is the topic of discussion for Miss Christy and her class at the Cutter Gap schoolhouse. One by one the students share their favorite Smoky Mountain holiday traditions--baking, hunting, and other fun activities. However, Ruby May Morrison, the usually outgoing, mischievous redhead, is silent. When she unexpectedly announces her plans to spend Christmas with her father, Christy is doubtful since Ruby Mae's father has not been in her life in years.