The Christmas Letters: A Timeless Story for Every Generation

Bret Nicholaus
Center Street Press (2006)
ISBN 1931722951
Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (11/06)

“The Christmas Letters,” written by Bret Nicholaus, is a heart-warming tale of a Grandfather’s love for his family and the legacy he left them, that only he could provide.  The reader is instantly drawn into the setting for this book, a family gathering in which everyone surprised when typically quiet ‘Grandpa’ asks for everyone’s attention and proceeds to hand out envelopes to each member of the family.  As the family sets spellbound, Grandpa explains that he would like each member to open their envelopes.  As the family follows Grandpa’s wishes, confused glances are exchanged when hand cut red velvet alphabet letters tumble onto the table in front of each member of the family.

As the family sits silently, Grandpa explains that each letter symbolizes an important part of the holiday for him.  Continuing on, Grandpa tells each recipient what their letter means to him and why each letter stands for a special part of Christmas.  Combining the letters C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S, he explains, adds up to what makes Christmas complete for him.  The family members realize that he is in fact telling them that they are each an important part of Christmas for him and without one of them; his Christmas would not be complete. As they sit silently thinking about their individual letters, Grandpa reaches for another envelope, tears it open, and withdraws the letter “J.”  Confusion is once again seen in the faces around the table until Grandpa speaks.  He tells them that the “J” stands for ‘Jesus’ and says…”without this piece of Christmas, there can be no peace of Christmas.” As the meaning dawns on the family, Grandpa cuts the “J” into small pieces and hands one to each person present.  With this simple gesture and the deep faith behind it, the family is reminded of what Christmas really means in their lives and how Jesus is the “piece” that defines Christmas for what it truly is.

This book touched a part of my heart that I didn’t expect it to, upon first opening the cover.  I found myself transformed to a Christmas Eve celebration, with my own family in attendance and saw through its pages, how everyone adds their own special “piece” of Christmas to the family. I was touched by Grandpa’s love for his family and his need to tell them so. I too have an older father and I know my Christmas’ with him will someday be no more.  Somehow, through reading this book, although it brought tears to my eyes, it also brought a peace to my soul as well.  It is a book that I intend to purchase for many friends this holiday season, as it is one of timeless love and deep faith as well.  It is not just a story of Christmas but a story of deep love for not only family but for Jesus as well.

I would highly recommend “The Christmas Letters” as a gift for anyone on your list.  It is a book that is rare indeed, as it can touch the youngest and the oldest heart alike with its message.  It would be a welcome addition to any family bookshelf and reading it aloud could easily become a family tradition during many Christmas seasons to come.  This book is one that will stay with you long after you close its cover and will touch you every time you read it.  It is a jewel of a book for the Christmas season ahead and one that should be on everyone’s “must read” list.

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