The Best Christmas
Lee Kingman
Hardcover
(Twin Lights Publishers, Jan. 6, 2001)
"Christmas is coming!" Erkki sings as he runs home on a cold, dark December day. Why does thinking of Christmas keep him warm and excited? He can barely wait for Chirstmas Eve, with its candles in the window and fragrant tree at home, the children's pieces given at the church, and Matti, oldest of the ten brotheres and sisters, surprising them with presents that he buys. Ten-year-old Erkki is happy until he reaches the Seppala home and hears the bad news: the stone barge Matti is on at sea is missing. What has happened to Matti? Worry and sadness fill their hearts. How can they find the spirit of Christmas that means so much to them? As Erkki worries about missing Matti and that Christmas spirit, he suddenly thinks of something he can do for his family. But will he be able to keep everything he does a secret until Christmas Eve?