THE CHRISTMAS THAT ALMOST WASN'T

An ice storm that dashes a young boy’s holiday plans also helps him find a connection to the first Christmas.

Pale-skinned Aiden’s been counting down on his Advent calendar—one more day till his grandparents arrive, two more until the church Nativity play (he’ll be playing the Star of Bethlehem), and three more until Christmas! But that night, it snows. The icy roads mean Grandma and Grandpa can’t travel. Worst of all, downed power lines mean no electricity or heat—and no play. But the family members fill their days with quiet merriment: reading stories, eating meals by candlelight. On Christmas Eve morning, Aiden and his father brave the icy urban sidewalks to buy coffee and doughnuts and spend the day delivering the treats to neighbors in their diverse community before the whole family heads to a spontaneous Christmas Eve potluck dinner. As the night winds down, Aiden’s mom retells the story of the Nativity, and Aiden finds special meaning in the tale: Were Joseph and Mary scared? Hungry? Cold? Did they appreciate the kindness of their newfound community? Filled with warmth and joy, Aiden hears the voice of angels: “Don’t be afraid. God is with you.” Alary caps her earnestly told narrative with an author’s note about her own stormy Christmas experience. Richly colored cartoon illustrations capture the silvery ice of the storm and bathe Aiden’s shadowy world with a tender glow.

Awash in the true Yuletide spirit.