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Journey Into Christmas and Other Stories
The true meaning of Christmas emerges in these stories about reunited families, good fellowship, and restored faith. This is not to say that all is sugar candy. The mother in the title story faces a lonely Christmas in an empty house—but then something quite ordinary but miraculous happens. In "The Drum Goes Dead," a small-town bank cashier, a solid citizen and sterling friend, is dispirited by hard times until he discovers, through his own resources, that it is indeed a wonderful life. Here are nine other holiday stories, by turns dramatic, humorous, and inspirational. The closing piece recalls the author's childhood in Iowa. Bess Streeter Aldrich is well remembered for A Lantern in Her Hand , from which Christmas on the Prairie is reprinted, and Spring Came On Forever .
266 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
11 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Bess Streeter Aldrich
38 books145 followersBess Genevra Streeter Aldrich was one of Nebraska's most widely read and enjoyed authors. Her writing career spanned forty-some years, during which she published over 100 short stories and articles, nine novels, one novella, two books of short stories, and one omnibus. In her work, she emphasized family values and recorded accurately Midwest pioneering history.
One of her books, Miss Bishop, was made into the movie, Cheers for Miss Bishop, and her short story, The Silent Stars Go By became the television show, The Gift of Love.
Bess graduated in 1901 from Iowa State Normal School, now known as the University of Northern Iowa, and taught for four years. She returned to Cedar Falls and worked as Assistant Supervisor at her alma mater, receiving an advanced degree in 1906. She married Charles Sweetzer Aldrich the following year.
In 1909 the Aldriches and Bess's sister and brother-in-law, Clara and John Cobb, bought the American Exchange Bank in Elmwood, Nebraska, and moved there with the Aldrich's two-month old daughter, Bess's widowed mother, and the Cobbs. Elmwood would become the locale, by whatever name she called it, of her many short stories, and it would also be the setting for some of her books.
Aldrich had won her first writing prize at fourteen and another at seventeen, having been writing stories since childhood. However, for two years after the family moved to Elmwood, Aldrich was too busy with local activities to write. Then in 1911 she saw a fiction contest announcement in the Ladies Home Journal and wrote a story in a few afternoons while the baby napped. Her story was one of six chosen from among some 2,000 entries. From that time on, Aldrich wrote whenever she could find a moment between caring for her growing family and her household chores. Indeed, she commented that, in the early days, many a story was liberally sprinkled with dishwater as she jotted down words or ideas while she worked. Aldrich's first book, Mother Mason, a compilation of short stories, was published in 1924.
In May 1925, shortly before her second book, Rim of the Prairie was published, Charles Aldrich died of a cerebral hemorrhage, leaving Bess a widow with four children ranging from four to sixteen. Her writing now became the means of family support; with her pen she put all the children through college.
Aldrich's short stories were as eagerly sought and read as her novels, and she became one of the best paid magazine writers of the time. Her work appeared in such magazines as The American, Saturday Evening Post, Ladies Home Journal, Collier's, Cosmopolitan, and McCall's. Aldrich also wrote several pieces on the art of writing, and these were published in The Writer.
In 1934, Aldrich was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Nebraska, and in 1949 she received the Iowa Authors Outstanding Contributions to Literature Award. She was posthumously inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame in 1973.
One of her books, Miss Bishop, was made into the movie, Cheers for Miss Bishop, and her short story, The Silent Stars Go By became the television show, The Gift of Love.
Bess graduated in 1901 from Iowa State Normal School, now known as the University of Northern Iowa, and taught for four years. She returned to Cedar Falls and worked as Assistant Supervisor at her alma mater, receiving an advanced degree in 1906. She married Charles Sweetzer Aldrich the following year.
In 1909 the Aldriches and Bess's sister and brother-in-law, Clara and John Cobb, bought the American Exchange Bank in Elmwood, Nebraska, and moved there with the Aldrich's two-month old daughter, Bess's widowed mother, and the Cobbs. Elmwood would become the locale, by whatever name she called it, of her many short stories, and it would also be the setting for some of her books.
Aldrich had won her first writing prize at fourteen and another at seventeen, having been writing stories since childhood. However, for two years after the family moved to Elmwood, Aldrich was too busy with local activities to write. Then in 1911 she saw a fiction contest announcement in the Ladies Home Journal and wrote a story in a few afternoons while the baby napped. Her story was one of six chosen from among some 2,000 entries. From that time on, Aldrich wrote whenever she could find a moment between caring for her growing family and her household chores. Indeed, she commented that, in the early days, many a story was liberally sprinkled with dishwater as she jotted down words or ideas while she worked. Aldrich's first book, Mother Mason, a compilation of short stories, was published in 1924.
In May 1925, shortly before her second book, Rim of the Prairie was published, Charles Aldrich died of a cerebral hemorrhage, leaving Bess a widow with four children ranging from four to sixteen. Her writing now became the means of family support; with her pen she put all the children through college.
Aldrich's short stories were as eagerly sought and read as her novels, and she became one of the best paid magazine writers of the time. Her work appeared in such magazines as The American, Saturday Evening Post, Ladies Home Journal, Collier's, Cosmopolitan, and McCall's. Aldrich also wrote several pieces on the art of writing, and these were published in The Writer.
In 1934, Aldrich was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Nebraska, and in 1949 she received the Iowa Authors Outstanding Contributions to Literature Award. She was posthumously inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame in 1973.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 16, 2022
I liked it. Good stories with nice morals/redemptive endings. They are a smidge more on the sentimental/sad side so if the holidays are hard because of the loss of a loved one, this isn’t the cheery book to pull you up.
Ages: 14+
Cleanliness: mentions a man committed suicide.
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Ages: 14+
Cleanliness: mentions a man committed suicide.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
November 23, 2023
4.5🌟 A remarkable book brimming with nostalgic Christmas stories! If a collection of short stories could make you feel snuggled up in a handmade blanket sipping hot chocolate, this is it!
The stories were all published between 1932 and 1948—all pleasantly vintage and full of a mid-century family activities centered around the home at Christmas time. My favorite was definitely the first one, Journey into Christmas.
I teared up more than a few times while reading this book!
The last "story" is primarily a memoir of jumbled memories from the author's past, not all around Christmas. But, I really enjoyed them. If you're someone who loves cozy domestic details, this is a book to have in your collection.
I was so lucky to find this book under a pile of other books at an antique store for just a few dollars (and with the dust jacket!). I know I'll be reading this book again (hopefully, every year) around the beginning of December.
Highly recommended!
The stories were all published between 1932 and 1948—all pleasantly vintage and full of a mid-century family activities centered around the home at Christmas time. My favorite was definitely the first one, Journey into Christmas.
I teared up more than a few times while reading this book!
The last "story" is primarily a memoir of jumbled memories from the author's past, not all around Christmas. But, I really enjoyed them. If you're someone who loves cozy domestic details, this is a book to have in your collection.
I was so lucky to find this book under a pile of other books at an antique store for just a few dollars (and with the dust jacket!). I know I'll be reading this book again (hopefully, every year) around the beginning of December.
Highly recommended!
December 26, 2015
I've been reading everything Christmas this year, and it's interesting - I mean, if you read enough you see that there are some standard ideas (Western culture, that is), and variations on the theme. For Aldrich, family is the absolute center of Christmas, and each story shows that clearly. Probably the most enjoyable piece in the collection was her own story of childhood Christmases. For her, desolation is not being with family at Christmas. Some would disagree, including me, but perhaps those raised in large families cannot see it any other way. Some good stories in this collection.
December 21, 2009
I could go visit her house which is a Nebraska landmark, if only someone hadn't moved from Wyoming... She's one of the best of American writers, and her Christmas stories wrap you snugly in the fur coat of the best of American times. A perfect, optimistic way to spend one of today's bad news days.
December 24, 2018
There are 12 stories in this book, each one different. Some I liked more than others. I'm going to review each story to make it easier.
Journey into Christmas:
A bit on the sad side, but the ending is sweet. I wouldn't mind rereading this one
Star Across the Tracks:
I enjoyed this one. A good reminder of how easy it is to get caught up in the big things, the things that glitter, and sparkle, and flash, and sing, while forgetting what Christmas is all about. I'm sure I'll read this again.
The Drum Goes Dead:
Another I really enjoyed. Sometimes it seems that we shouldn't celebrate or be happy at Christmas time because of circumstances. But this little story gives you another look. Yes, I think I'll read this story another Christmas.
Youth Is All of an Up-and-Coming:
This was okay. The descriptions were great, but it felt a little flat or round, or something that wasn't quite right. I guess I just didn't connect with this story.
The Man Who Caught the Weather:
Rather sad. Not your usual Christmas story.
Bid the Tapers Twinkle:
I have to smile over this one. Sara Atkins was so sweet, and her children . . . Well, I won't give any spoilers. Good for a re-read another year.
Christmas On the Prairie:
Since it was taken from a longer book (which I have never read), it was a bit challenging to figure out what was going on and who was who at first. But I did enjoy it.
Low Lies His Bed:
This was sad and almost depressing. The ending was okay, but I wanted something more. Something to redeem the story with hope and gladness. But it wasn't there.
Another Brought Gifts:
This story was sweet, touching, and one I wouldn't mind reading again. It does talk a lot about Santa Clause instead of the real meaning of Christmas, but it also reminds you of the joy of giving to others. I wouldn't mind reading this again.
Suzanne's Own Night:
This was an excerpt from another book, and seemed strange and out of place. It wasn't really a story, just descriptions mostly.
The Silent Stars Go By:
Not a favorite. It was a bit odd having the main character sick and following her imaginings, and fever driven thoughts.
I Remember:
While not a Christmas story, it was interesting to read about the author and her years growing up as the youngest of eight children, and the oldest three were in their twenties when she came along. This was not told in story form, but more along the lines of just remembering things.
Journey into Christmas:
A bit on the sad side, but the ending is sweet. I wouldn't mind rereading this one
Star Across the Tracks:
I enjoyed this one. A good reminder of how easy it is to get caught up in the big things, the things that glitter, and sparkle, and flash, and sing, while forgetting what Christmas is all about. I'm sure I'll read this again.
The Drum Goes Dead:
Another I really enjoyed. Sometimes it seems that we shouldn't celebrate or be happy at Christmas time because of circumstances. But this little story gives you another look. Yes, I think I'll read this story another Christmas.
Youth Is All of an Up-and-Coming:
This was okay. The descriptions were great, but it felt a little flat or round, or something that wasn't quite right. I guess I just didn't connect with this story.
The Man Who Caught the Weather:
Rather sad. Not your usual Christmas story.
Bid the Tapers Twinkle:
I have to smile over this one. Sara Atkins was so sweet, and her children . . . Well, I won't give any spoilers. Good for a re-read another year.
Christmas On the Prairie:
Since it was taken from a longer book (which I have never read), it was a bit challenging to figure out what was going on and who was who at first. But I did enjoy it.
Low Lies His Bed:
This was sad and almost depressing. The ending was okay, but I wanted something more. Something to redeem the story with hope and gladness. But it wasn't there.
Another Brought Gifts:
This story was sweet, touching, and one I wouldn't mind reading again. It does talk a lot about Santa Clause instead of the real meaning of Christmas, but it also reminds you of the joy of giving to others. I wouldn't mind reading this again.
Suzanne's Own Night:
This was an excerpt from another book, and seemed strange and out of place. It wasn't really a story, just descriptions mostly.
The Silent Stars Go By:
Not a favorite. It was a bit odd having the main character sick and following her imaginings, and fever driven thoughts.
I Remember:
While not a Christmas story, it was interesting to read about the author and her years growing up as the youngest of eight children, and the oldest three were in their twenties when she came along. This was not told in story form, but more along the lines of just remembering things.
December 2, 2021
I love Bess Streeter Aldrich's writing of the pioneers and prairie, and this book of short stories was so enjoyable! What simpler times they lived in but the dedication and perseverance and love shine through especially during the Christmas season. Pure joy!
December 13, 2012
Bess Streeter Aldrich certainly captures the spirit of the season in this lovely collection of Christmas stories. These stories contain all the charm and and sentiment that only small town Christmases can provide! I found myself being pleasantly reminded of my own small town Iowa Christmas memories in the pages of these stories!
April 1, 2009
Eleven Christmas stories including one from Lantern in Her Hand and one from Song of Years and a chapter of remembrances. "I shall recall them [memories:] as one picks apples out of a basket, this one -- and this one -- and this --."
November 21, 2007
What can I say...it's Bess Streeter Aldrich again! Fun stories to read around the holidays.
April 25, 2008
This is my absolute favorite Christmas book! It is old-fashioned now, but an absolute gem.
January 20, 2013
A collection of some very lovely stories about Christmas. Each was heart felt and had a sweet reminder the love of family and others that is so often felt that time of year.
December 31, 2012
I read a 1963 copyright of this book. I got it at a used book store. I loved this book. It is a great reminder of the true meaning of the Christmas spirit.
December 8, 2014
Heartwarming stories of finding the true spirit of Christmas in ordinary lives. I loved the sense of family, neighborliness,and friendship, the excitement of childhood, and even the loneliness of an aging parent who suddenly feels the Christmas spirit, though she cannot be together with her children and grandchildren. I also loved the description of a good marriage and the tender care the husband had for his wife, even after she had left this life. One cannot but admire the man who saves his quarters through the year so that, as Santa Claus, he can give each child a coin and the counsel, "Live upright lives. Do some good in the world with this here money. Always keep the Christmas spirit in your hearts, and when ye git older, bring all the happiness ye kin to other little children at Christmastime."
December 26, 2013
Bess Streeter Aldrich has been a favorite of mine for many years. I was first introduced to her writing in A Lantern in Her Hand and I was hooked. I have read everything she has written. And more than once! This collection is a favorite of mine at Christmas time. I got my own copy a few years back and I regularly pull it off the shelf and read some of the stories around the holidays! It makes me smile as I read! I have favorites in this book. Sometime I think I have forgotten a story, but when read it again I am reminded of the plot all over again. A couple of favorites from this book are; Star Across the Tracks and Youth is all of an Up and Coming! Both have surprises in them. I highly recommend this book and any written by this author!
November 2, 2015
Sweet collection of 12 short-stories, often centering on the golden-years and looking back at Christmas-Past; poignant and sentimental, an easy read and all-together lovely.
"... reunited families, good fellowship, and restored faith. ... dramatic, humorous and inspirational" says the back cover. Each short-story comes with an illustration of an etching or cut-woodblock, created by Bess' son (or grandson?) James Aldrich, which adds to the delightful theme of the collection.
The stories are sometimes tied to a lyric or stanza of a favored Christmas hymn, and the "true meaning" of Christmas is linked from generation to generation.
Currently reading with my grand-daughter, and I hope it will become a favorite of hers also.
"... reunited families, good fellowship, and restored faith. ... dramatic, humorous and inspirational" says the back cover. Each short-story comes with an illustration of an etching or cut-woodblock, created by Bess' son (or grandson?) James Aldrich, which adds to the delightful theme of the collection.
The stories are sometimes tied to a lyric or stanza of a favored Christmas hymn, and the "true meaning" of Christmas is linked from generation to generation.
Currently reading with my grand-daughter, and I hope it will become a favorite of hers also.
January 8, 2025
This book was recommended to me. I didn't take it seriously at first because I don't like Christmas books and I don't like short stories. But I DO like this author and I LOVE this book. Every story was touching and sweet, not over Christmasy, but wholesome. You could read it any time of year and love it. The last chapter was memories of the author's childhood and it was so heartwarming. I've been to the author's home; it is a museum in Elmwood, Nebraska, and I can picture her sitting at her desk typing away. I'm just charmed.
January 17, 2012
Bess Streeter Aldrich's talent lies in the details, so though these short stories were pleasant reads they did not hold the same charm as her painstakingly developed novels. Actually my favorite part of this book was the biographical sketch at the end that gave delightful insight into actual people and places that shaped the characters and backgrounds for some of Ms. Aldrich's most memorable stories.
December 17, 2017
My husband pokes fun at me for having a “downstairs” book (usually whatever I currently have from the library) and an “upstairs” book (lighter reading for bedtime). “Journey into Christmas” by Bess Streeter Aldrich has been my upstairs book for the last week or so. It’s a collection of Christmas-y short stories and is absolutely charming. I love Ms. Aldrich’s writing style - she has a dry but classy sense of humor. This was a perfect read for the holiday season.
December 16, 2017
Some of the stories got repetitive (you could tell where her mind was when she wrote them), but she still had the deft prose that I feel in love with when I read Song Of Years. Well worth revisiting her--it brought back lovely memories.
December 10, 2019
Wonderful read. Several little vigenettes that each have their own personality. Great holiday read.
June 23, 2015
I read this book of stories every year around Christmas. I love it!
December 22, 2018
A collection of short stories of the noted Iowa author Bess Streeter Aldrich (1881-1954), all of them centered on Christmas. Most of the stories are nostalgic in nature, capturing a simpler time with simpler pleasures. The best of them ("Bid the Tapers Twinkle," "Low Lies His Bed," "Another Brought Gifts") are poignant, tugging at the sensitive reader's heart-strings. The true meaning of the holiday is not ignored (and figures significantly in some of the tales), but, on the whole, the emphasis is on more general feelings of warmth, family, and community good-will. A fine assortment to read, re-read, and share in December.
November 24, 2021
I had to return this to library after reading about half the stories. Enjoyable and very much like the only other book I have read by this author (a Lantern in Her Hand)… (nostalgic Nebraska small town/prairie life). I think every single story put tears in my eyes which is not usually something I appreciate in a Christmas story but these I would continue reading. I will probably get it back out from there library at some point but I wouldn’t go out of my way to find it. Many of these stories definitely make you reflect on how much time you spend with older family members during the holidays and have a very sad feel to them.
December 30, 2016
Very good collection of Christmas stories by Bess Streeter Aldrich. She has a charming way of conveying the spirit of Christmas in her delightful tales. I really loved "I Remember," in which she shares memories from her growing up years in Cedar Falls, Iowa. I have read and enjoyed "A Lantern in Her Hand", "A White Bird Flying", and "The Cutters" - all authored by Mrs. Aldrich. I love the way she captures the joy and importance of home and family from a bygone era.
December 10, 2018
I am a big Bess Streeter Aldrich fan - have been since I was a little girl long ago. Most of the stories in this book are just sweet little town Christmas tales. There is a slight tendency to sadness and/or dreariness, but overall very heartwarming.
December 3, 2023
So yes these short stories are abut on the sappy side but in a gentle loving Christmas way. They are all set in the Midwest on farms and small towns. Just the kind of story I like to read at this time of year.
January 3, 2024
I love these Christmas stories and the memories in the last chapter of her life. Bess Streeter Aldrich is an author I wish I could visit with and come to know as a friend. I have read these stories many times and they are worth re-reading every Christmas.
January 9, 2018
These short stories were wonderful. I especially liked the last, called I Remember, which was a series of memories the author wrote out from her childhood.
November 14, 2019
Continuing my quest to consume all of Bess Streeter Aldrichs books.
April 20, 2021
Sweet stories of Christmas from the past.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews