The Christmas Strangers

by Marjorie Thayer, Don Freeman

Ben and Joe Clinton who, together with their mother and sisters, await the return of their snowbound father learn about the spirit of Christmas when they take in a lost Indian couple and baby

Genres: Christmas

47 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars -- While the ending of this story redeems it somewhat, this plot still comes across as "white savior". Ben, his brother, twin sisters, and Ma are waiting for Pa to come home on Christmas Eve, but it is near blizzard conditions. Ma is concerned, but she covers it by having the children do quick chores before supper. A big pine bough that the boys' chop becomes a Christmas tree that they decorate, and the Christmas story is read from the Bible. It is all very reminiscent of Little House in the Big Woods. Conversation, though, refers to Indians as "poor creatures", and when surprise visitors show up at the door, Ma says she will "cure" their baby's sickness. The publishing date of 1976 really shows here.

[Jeannette · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heartwarming story on the Frontier about a difficult winter when a father struggles to get home with his Christmas presents and during his absence a very distressed indian family takes shelter in the family cabin where opportunities for blessings abound.

[K Meester · Rating 5 out of 5]

My family enjoys all old fashioned books and this one is no exception. A sweet story of helping strangers. We do not enjoy anything written after 2010, as there is way too much liberal propaganda and political correctness.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice childrens story. I came across this book while entering books in the library system for our summer book mobile program. It's an older book, but still good.

[Amanda Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite Christmas story as a child and I still love it.

[Diane in Australia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the books in my daughter's Christmas collection.

5 Stars = For sentimental reasons.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone wrote inside the cover, "Grades 2-3", which seems right. This is a story of transplanted Vermonters trying to celebrate Christmas in the Michigan territory during a terrible snow storm. Pa went to town to get supplies and the rest of the family is stranded in their cabin. Three strangers come to their door late at night on Christmas Eve. Are they dangerous or just lost travelers in need of warmth, food, and shelter? The illustrations by Don Freeman are reminiscent of the books of my youth.