It’s Christmas of 1927 in a small town in Alberta, Canada, and the Jeppson family has nothing for Christmas. Discover this touching story and rekindle the attitude of service in your own life.

It’s Christmas Eve and Mary Leland is hanging her children’s stockings and joining in the joyful Christmas spirit with her children as they dance around the room. She doesn’t let on that there’s nothing to give the children for Christmas, but ten-year-old Ellen knows; she just wishes her mother would stop pretending that everything is okay.

Earlier that November, Mary had responded to her sister’s concerned letter asking if she could do anything for the family for Christmas. She only asked for necessities: “some old, used quilts…worn-out pants to cut up and use to once again patch the pants her boys were wearing…and a dress that someone has outgrown for Ellen…”

Each day, Mary’s husband Leland rides to the post office to check for packages, and as Christmas Eve comes, there is still nothing for the family for Christmas.

Now, you really didn’t think I would give the ending away, did you? What happens next is awesome, and you’ll have to check this book out for yourself. Retold by President Thomas S. Monson and illustrated by Ben Sowards, this beautiful hardcover book is sure to become a Christmas favorite. The story is well-told, and the painted pictures are amazing (I only wish there were more!)

I recommend this book for people of all ages. It can be found at all Deseret Book locations for the list price of $18.95, but if you buy it now on deseretbook.com, you’ll only pay $13.27 (that’s 30% off!)