Much as we may aspire to perfectly wrapped presents beneath a glittering Christmas tree, kisses stolen under the mistletoe, and children who dream peacefully of sugarplums until Christmas morn, the reality of Christmas is messier, more chaotic, and much more diverse. Yet it is in the messiness that we often catch glimpses of the real magic—and meaning—of Christmas. This collection of short Christmas stories from around the world celebrates the magic, the chaos, and the traditions of Christmas. --Back cover