Mary Jane Holmes 
Christmas Stories 

Christmas Stories is a collection of short stories written by Mary Jane Holmes and published in 1878. The book contains four heartwarming tales that center around the holiday season, each with its own unique message about love, family, and the true meaning of Christmas. The first story, "The Christmas Gift, " tells the tale of a wealthy young woman named Edith who is engaged to be married. When her fiance gives her a lavish gift for Christmas, Edith realizes that she has been blinded by materialism and must reevaluate her priorities. In "The Lost Baby, " a young couple must deal with the heartbreak of losing their newborn child just days before Christmas. The story explores themes of grief and healing, as the couple struggles to find hope and comfort in the midst of tragedy. The third story, "The Widow’s Christmas, " follows a kind-hearted widow named Mrs. Price who opens her home to a group of homeless children on Christmas Eve. Through her generosity and compassion, Mrs. Price reminds us of the importance of reaching out to those in need during the holiday season. Finally, "The Christmas Tree" is a heartwarming tale about a group of children who come together to decorate a Christmas tree in their small town. As they work together to make the tree beautiful, they learn valuable lessons about cooperation, friendship, and the power of community. Overall, "Christmas Stories" is a charming and uplifting collection of tales that captures the spirit of the holiday season. Mary Jane Holmes’ warm and engaging writing style, combined with the timeless messages of the stories, makes this book a classic holiday read that is sure to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.