This was a cute story, very short, and an easy read. For those who are expecting an "olde tyme" Christmas tale ala "A Christmas Story (You'll Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid)" be warned that you will be disappointed. Think more "The Wonder Years" and waaay less "A Christmas Story."
For Christmas, the holiday, was not really the theme of the book, but provided the climax of the tale in the form of the school's Christmas play. Most of the action took place in the months of October and November.
The epilogue was the only part I had an issue with. I usually like movies (like Animal House or Catch Me If You Can) where it gives an idea where the characters went after the story ends, but some of the vignettes just gave TMI and went on too long. 3.5 stars for the length and the sweetness of the story.