A parent might reach for this book when their child is facing a big move, especially around a holiday, and is sad about leaving old traditions behind. Ted and Jean have just moved from snowy Indiana to sunny California, and Christmas just doesn't feel right without snow, fir trees, and sledding. This gentle story follows their journey of disappointment and eventual discovery as their parents help them find new beauty in their "green" Christmas, creating new traditions that are just as meaningful. It's a quiet, comforting book that validates a child's feelings of loss while showing how love and creativity can redefine what makes a holiday special. It's an excellent choice for families navigating change or seeking a less commercialized view of the season.
The core sensitive topic is the emotional distress of moving and the associated loss of tradition and identity. The book's approach is direct, gentle, and validating of the children's sadness. It is a secular story. The resolution is entirely hopeful and reassuring, modeling healthy family communication and resilience in the face of change.
Ideal Reader
A sensitive 7-10 year old who has recently moved or is feeling anxious about an upcoming move. It's also perfect for a child who feels like an outsider or is struggling to adapt to a significant change that disrupts family rituals, especially during a holiday season.
Parent Prep
No special preparation is needed; this book can be read cold. Its gentle nature and supportive parental figures make it a safe and comforting read. A parent might be prepared to talk about their own feelings about a family change to create a sense of shared experience. The parent hears their child say things like, "I miss our old house," "It's not the same here," or "Christmas won't be fun anymore." The child is expressing sadness, nostalgia, or resistance to a new situation or environment.
Age Experience
A younger reader (7-8) will connect directly with the concrete losses: no snow, a different kind of tree. They will be comforted by the happy, tangible resolution. An older reader (9-10) will be more able to grasp the abstract themes of resilience, the meaning of 'home,' and the idea that traditions are living things that can be created and adapted.
What Makes It Special
In a sea of Christmas books about Santa, magic, or festive hustle, this is a quiet, realistic, nature-centric story. Its uniqueness lies in its focus on the internal emotional experience of change and the power of a family unit to create its own meaning. It champions adapting to new circumstances over clinging to the past.
Read plot summary
A family with two elementary-aged children, Ted and Jean, moves from Indiana to California right before Christmas. The children are deeply homesick for their old traditions, especially the snow and cutting down a fir tree. Their parents gently guide them to see the unique beauty of their new, 'green' environment. Together, they create new holiday traditions, like decorating a live oak tree and gathering local holly, ultimately finding that the spirit of Christmas is about family, not location or specific rituals.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Ted and Jean really missed the snow and fir trees from their old home. What are some traditions that are very important to our family that you would miss if we couldn't do them?
2
At first, the children didn't think a live oak tree could be a good Christmas tree. What changed their minds? Have you ever disliked something at first and then grown to like it?
3
The family created new Christmas traditions in California, like picking holly and decorating the oak tree. If we were to create one brand new holiday tradition for our family, what do you think it should be?
4
Dad tells the children that Christmas is about remembering. Besides presents and decorations, what do you think is the most important thing to remember or feel during a holiday?
