The Christmas Letters: A Timeless Story for Every Generation

by Bret Nicholaus

The nine letters Grandpa hands to his family each contain a personal story of how they brought joy to him. This volume-which has sold more than 60,000 copies since its initial publication-has been repackaged as a gift hardcover.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Holiday, Religion, Book Club, Christian Fiction, Inspirational

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Mary Bronson]

I thought this was a lovely and heartwarming Christmas story. This was about a man who lost his grandfather that year and this was the first Christmas without him. When he looked at the letter and remembered the last Christmas when his Grandfather was still alive and gave each family member a letter that spelled out Christmas and why each person meant so much to him.

[Jodi Leeper]

I read this book every year in December!

[Linda Klager]

I saw this book at my public library and liked the cover and the title. This is a small book, but oh, such a good book. A grandfather wanted to instill the true meaning of Christmas to his family. He did it in such a wonderful way. Please read this book - you will be so very happy that you did.

[Stephanie *Spunky Avenger*]

It was a wonderful book and definitely tear jerker. Written well, it's a quick read with a lasting impression

[Tracie]

As I've been making my way through Christmas books, I came across The Christmas Letters. The digital edition I read had only 15 pages, so I was surprised to see that it is listed as an 80 page hardback book.

To me this isn't really a story at all. There isn't really a plot. The story of the grandfather is really more of a device to make a point about Christmas. And yet it escapes being preachy or pendantic. It also, however, also escapes being heart-warming. There is not enough development of the story and characters for it to be very emotionally engaging.

Still, it is a book worth the 5-10 minutes it took me to read it. One more little reminder about the reason for the season.

[Kimberly]

This story is a terrific tale as each family member receives a precious memento from a person held in high regard and cherished by all (Grandpa). Readers will appreciate the gift from Grandpa as Bret Nicholaus provides touching short vignettes of what Grandpa says in his letters to each person. The Christmas Letters is an uplifting holiday tale that reminds the audience what really is blessed about life is giving and receiving love.

[Pat]

A neat book about letters spelling CHRISTMAS that a grandfather gives his wife, children, grandchildren on Christmas Eve knowing he may not be there the next one. Each letter stands for something unique about each person - S is for daughter-in-law who each Christmas makes aniseed cookies which only the Grandfather loves. Then he cuts out a "J" for Jesus and gives each a piece of the "J" to go with their letter. Very nice book, short too.

[Julbs ジュル]

I bought this book early this year and I waited until Christmas Day before reading this book. Truly, this is a tear-jerker Christmas story. I love that Jesus is the center of this story.

Merry Christmas to all!

[Bob]

Charming little book that is a good reminder of what the holiday season is about. It's a short read but still worth checking out. It reads almost like a children's book but I found it a book for all ages and will keep it in my holiday book collection!

[Maggi Colunga]

This book SUCKS too short

[Lori LaBelle]

Extremely short book. Story is nice but had I known it would be a 15 minute read I would not have spent $14 on it through my book club!

[Angie]

A short, sweet story about the importance of family and remembering the Savior. Very good book.

[dion]

Great idea, good plot, but the story was way too short.

[Mindy]

A VERY short book with a sweet message.

[Colleen Lahey]

Absolutely beautiful.

[Shae Burton]

A short but thoughtful read. Never take anyone for granted. And never believe for a minute that what you do doesn't matter. Even the smallest of things.

[Karen]

I loved this story. It reminded me if my own Grandpa and how he loved Christmas and his family so much.

[Marcy]

Very wonderful story about the true meaning of Christmas.

[Linda]

A very short but excellent story! It wasn't at all what I thought it was going to be.

[Jan]

Beautiful short but incredibly moving glimpse at one of the most important life lessons.

[Brandi Johnson]

This was a wonderfully written, inspirational Christmas story!

[Kathy]

Peace Of Jesus

I wish everyone could read this sweet book. It is very short but has a message that can touch all ages. Read please and ponder on it.

[Robyn]

This was a short and sweet Christmas story.

[Theresa Lange]

Very good

[Angie]

Synopsis: "In the heartwarming tradition of Richard Paul Evans's The Christmas Box, this timeless story will inspire all generations.
With the whole family convened for holiday festivities, Grandpa speaks from his heart to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. "This may be the last Christmas I get to spend with each of you, so I want to give each of you a letter." The nine envelopes Grandpa hands to his family each contain a personal story of how they brought joy to him, and a life lesson that not only speaks to them but moves readers to reflect on the ways their lives have been touched by their loved ones."

My Review: Brace yourself for a quick tear-jerking story for the holiday season! This is a nice short book that will fit into your busy holiday schedule but it packs enough emotion that you can't help but be drawn right in and reminded more of what the spirit of the season is about, loved ones. It does take a hard religious turn that I don't think it really needed but it does go along with the message for so many. Either way it will make you pause and really think about what you want your holidays to be like.

[Melissa (Always Behind)]

Every year, the family gathers together to celebrate Christmas. Grandpa, grandma, their children and grandchildren join for food and family time. This year, however, grandpa has the feeling that he won't be around for many more Christmases, so he wants to impart a special gift to help his family remember him and to help them know what the holiday really means.

Grandpa gives each family member a Christmas letter - though not the type of letter you might be suspecting. He explains the significance of the letters for the individuals, and encourages family members to take them out every year.

This sweet, touching story can be shared with the entire family. The rich illustrations reinforce the impact of the tale. If your family is struggling to make the holiday season special and meaningful, The Christmas Letters will provide inspiration. This small volume would also make an ideal gift to share with others.

[Lesley]

Well, this definitely qualifies as the shortest book I've ever read! I started it in bed last night, and within 10 mins was telling hubby I had read a book!
There is no story whatever; there is nothing about any of the characters, not even Grandad handing out the letters the previous Christmas.

Amazon are asking £3.99 for the Kindle version of this....paragraph of words!
(Definitely does NOT even qualify as a novella!)

Don't even think about wasting your money on it - I would be demanding my money back if I had paid that for it!

[Carol Runke]

This book was a quick read - 73 pages. I plan on reading this book every Christmas, and I hope that you will buy the book or check it out from your local library and read it every year as well. After all, the book says read it every year. It is a timeless story for every generation. Anyway, the story centers around an 86-year old man and his family and what Christmas means to him. I bought the book at the Hutchinson Health Auxiliary during their 75 percent off Christmas things sale not knowing how meaningful the book would be to me and others.

[addison]

This will be by second Christmas without my grandfather and this book brought back so many Christmas memories we created over the years. The idea of the ten letters and each family member getting one was the sweetest and most thoughtful gift. I hope one day when I pass, people have a great memory of me like this family has of their grandfather.

[Lorraine]

Book Has Been Read- Finished March 3, 2007