Karen N. Bianco

The Hand Me Down Christmas Karen N. Bianco

It was Christmastime in the tiny little town of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire where Molly and Steven Switzer lived with their Mom and their Dad and their dog, Sherry. The people who lived and worked in Dixville Notch were special and caring as it was an exciting and friendly place where everyone knew if your dog was lost or your child was missing a tooth.

Christmastime was especially hard for Molly and Steven as they were too poor to celebrate Christmas. All their wishes and dreams of a Christmas tree, decorations and even one present from Santa would have to stay as just that - a dream. Nevertheless, they still looked forward to the excitement of the season as they always felt the sharing and warmth of their family, their friends and their neighbors. A hug and a Christmas cookie from Mr. and Mrs. Chapman who lived down the street, and a treat from them for Sherry, made it seem like it was Christmas in their home, too.

After Molly and Steven attend a United States Marine Christmas party - by special invitation of Mr. Chapman - the magic of Christmas unfolds. The townspeople of Dixville Notch, knowing the true meaning of Christmas, set about to make sure that there is a Christmas in the Switzer household, too. When Molly and Steven return from visiting their grandparents on Christmas day, they are met with the most wonderful gift of all.

You see, in Dixville Notch, everyone is special. And no one is ever too poor to celebrate Christmas.