Emily’s Christmas Gifts

Christmas is coming!

And while we all love opening gifts, kindness and consideration are often the most valuable Christmas gifts one can give—to friends and family alike.

In Emily’s Christmas Gifts, young Emily brightens the smiles of all around her by helping around the house, lending a hand with family festivities, and showing kindness to friends and family everywhere.

Although the holidays are “the most wonderful time of the year,” they can also be a minefield of manners meltdowns as people rush through shopping malls, prepare elaborate meals, and open potentially disappointing presents with not-so-favorite relatives. It’s especially challenging for small children, who don’t know that they may hurt Grandma’s feelings when they say, “Yuck! I hate fish!” or “I already have this doll!”

Cindy Post Senning, Ed.D. and Peggy Post have written Emily’s Christmas Gifts as a reminder of how to keep the holiday spirit alive. In Emily’s Christmas Gifts, young Emily expresses how much she loves giving gifts, but she tells young readers that the most important gifts don’t go under the tree. In her words, “These are the gifts of kindness and consideration. Even though they don’t cost a cent, everyone appreciates them.”

Steve Björkman’s lighthearted watercolor illustrations bring Emily’s world to life as she helps another child with her nativity costume, lends a hand with dinner, puts up lights with her dad, and acknowledges that sometimes people get a little cranky during all the holiday commotion. Her solution? Dad will be thrilled, Mom thankful, and Grandma and Grandpa full of pride when you help out, express your gratitude, and focus on kindness during the holidays.

Emily’s Christmas Gifts is recommended for children age 5-8.