This book contains the following stories:
The Twelve Days of Christmas
The cumulative Christmas song which lists the gifts of Christmas, finishing with:- On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 12 Drummers Drumming, 11 Pipers Piping, 10 Lords a Leaping, 9 Ladies Dancing, 8 Maids a Milking, 7 Swans a Swimming, 6 Geese a Laying, 5 Gold Rings, 4 Calling Birds, 3 French Hens, 2 Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.
The Nutcracker
It is Christmas Eve and the mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer has arrived at Clara and Fritz's house with a special gift for Clara - a wooden nutcracker doll. The doll brings magic for when the clock strikes midnight Clara awakes to see a battle between giant mice and life-size toy soldiers, led by her valiant Nutcracker. After winning the battle, the Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince who takes Clara on a journey to the Land of Snow and then to the Kingdom of Sweets.
The Nativity, also known as the birth of Jesus Christ, is a well-known biblical story found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. It recounts the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Here is a summary of the plot:
Annunciation to Mary: The story begins with the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary, a young woman in the town of Nazareth. Gabriel informs her that she has been chosen by God to conceive a child through the Holy Spirit and that her child will be the Son of God. Mary humbly accepts this divine calling, saying, "Let it be done to me according to your word."
Joseph's Dream: Mary was betrothed to a man named Joseph, who initially had concerns upon learning of Mary's pregnancy. However, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, assuring him that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and instructing him to proceed with the marriage.
The Journey to Bethlehem: Due to a census ordered by Caesar Augustus, Joseph and a pregnant Mary had to travel to Joseph's ancestral town of Bethlehem. The journey was challenging, as Mary was nearing the end of her pregnancy.
Birth in a Manger: Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph found no available lodging. They sought shelter in a humble stable, where Mary gave birth to Jesus. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, as there was no crib available.
Angelic Announcement to the Shepherds: In the nearby fields, shepherds were tending their flocks at night. Suddenly, an angel appeared to them, announcing the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem. A multitude of angels then appeared, praising God and proclaiming peace on earth. The shepherds decided to go and see the newborn child.
Adoration of the Shepherds: The shepherds found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus in the stable, just as the angels had said. They worshiped and praised God for what they had witnessed, sharing the news of the miraculous birth with others.
Visit of the Magi: After Jesus' birth, wise men from the East, known as the Magi or the Three Wise Men, saw a special star and followed it to Bethlehem. They arrived bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, recognizing Jesus as the newborn King and offering their homage.
The Nativity story symbolizes the fulfillment of prophecies and the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah. It highlights the humble circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth, emphasizing God's presence in the midst of simplicity and poverty. The Nativity serves as a reminder of God's love for humanity and the hope and joy brought by the birth of Jesus Christ, who would become the Savior of the world.
The Snow Queen
When Kay is cursed by a magic mirror, he can no longer perceive goodness in anything - not his best friend Gerda, nor the roses in the garden. One wintery evening, he is kidnapped by the wicked Snow Queen and swept away to live for ever in her kingdom of ice. Gerda must travel through inhospitable and frozen lands, sustained only by the kindness of strangers, in order to find her beloved friend. And when she gets there, she must melt the ice in his heart before she can take him back home.
