A lovely book of short stories centered around Christmas celebrations. At least two of them are excepts from Goudge's novels, and I was convinced by reading this that I will read her novels at some time.

I particularly liked Christmas on the Moor. I seem to have a weakness for a well-written, non-horrifying ghost story. This one has all the best elements, set at Christmas and involving the birth of a Christmas baby.

Christmas on the Island, which I would term more a novella than a short story. It concerns a family Christmas on a farm that is in danger of being lost, and is a beautifully hopeful tale.

And, finally, Christmas at the Inn, another family story of an entertainment party for the inn and the dynamics of the family, grandmother, father and grandchildren.

“The house would welcome them and gather them in, and when they had talked a little in front of the fire, they would go to bed, and, the spell of this happy day still upon them, sleep deeply and happily, wrapped in its peace.”

Isn't that what we all really want for Christmas--a warm bed, people who love us sleeping happily near, and peace in ourselves and in our world?
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