When a little girl finds out her family is planning a "simple" Christmas this year, she's not so sure about it. But soon she gets into the spirit of simplicity and generosity by making presents and Christmas decorations with her parents and grandparents on their family farm. She and her mama share Christmas cookies with friends they meet, inviting everyone to join them for Christmas in their little red barn.

Warm and heartfelt, this story invites children and families to imagine an inclusive Christmas, focusing on the simple pleasures of connection, community, and the care and generosity shared by making things by hand. Step-by-step directions for creating three handmade Christmas gifts are included at the end of the book.

Full of warmth and nostalgia, the Countryside Holiday series celebrates family, community, simplicity, and generosity.

Alsdurf, Phyllis

Phyllis Alsdurf is a former journalism and creative writing professor and the author of Thanksgiving in the Woods, A Simple Christmas on the Farm, Halloween in the Orchard, Easter on the Farm, and It's Milking Time.

Phyllis lives in Minnesota where she enjoys gardening and bird watching, biking and kayaking. She loves to explore small towns on the prairie and host summer tea parties under the enormous maples in her back yard.

Hunt, Lisa

Lisa Hunt is a freelance illustrator living near London, England. She has a degree in fine art from Coventry University. She has illustrated several books and worked for publishers in the United States and the United Kingdom.

When not at her desk, Lisa can usually be found in the local coffee shop happily eating carrot cake, or sitting on the staircase at home waggling a bit of string at an over-excitable ginger cat.