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Christmas in Plains: Memories
In a beautifully rendered portrait, Jimmy Carter remembers the Christmas days of his Plains boyhood -- the simplicity of family and community gift-giving, his father's eggnog, the children's house decorations, the school Nativity pageant, the fireworks, Luke's story of the birth of Christ, and the poignancy of his black neighbors' poverty.Later, away at Annapolis, he always went home to Plains, and during his Navy years, when he and Rosalynn were raising their young family, they spent their Christmases together re-creating for their children the holiday festivities of their youth.
Since the Carters returned home to Plains for good, they have always been there on Christmas Day, with only one exception in forty-eight years: In 1980, with Americans held hostage in Iran, Jimmy, Rosalynn, and Amy went by themselves to Camp David, where they felt lonely. Amy suggested that they invite the White House staff and their families to join them and to celebrate.
Nowadays the Carters' large family is still together at Christmastime, offering each other the gifts and the lifelong rituals that mark this day for them.
With the novelist's eye that enchanted readers of his memoir "An Hour Before Daylight," Jimmy Carter has written another American classic, in the tradition of Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory" and Dylan Thomas's "A Child's Christmas in Wales."
Since the Carters returned home to Plains for good, they have always been there on Christmas Day, with only one exception in forty-eight years: In 1980, with Americans held hostage in Iran, Jimmy, Rosalynn, and Amy went by themselves to Camp David, where they felt lonely. Amy suggested that they invite the White House staff and their families to join them and to celebrate.
Nowadays the Carters' large family is still together at Christmastime, offering each other the gifts and the lifelong rituals that mark this day for them.
With the novelist's eye that enchanted readers of his memoir "An Hour Before Daylight," Jimmy Carter has written another American classic, in the tradition of Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory" and Dylan Thomas's "A Child's Christmas in Wales."
156 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
121 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Jimmy Carter
276 books640 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
James Earl Carter, Junior, known as Jimmy, the thirty-ninth president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, creditably established energy-conservation measures, concluded the treaties of Panama Canal in 1978, negotiated the accords of Camp David between Egypt and Israel in 1979, and won the Nobel Prize of 2002 for peace.
Ronald Wilson Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter, the incumbent, in the presidential election of 1980.
He served and received. Carter served two terms in the senate of Georgia and as the 76th governor from 1971 to 1975.
Carter created new Cabinet-level Department of education. A national policy included price decontrol and new technology. From 1977, people reduced foreign oil imports one-half to 1982. In foreign affairs, Carter pursued the second round of strategic arms limitation talks (SALT). Carter sought to put a stronger emphasis on human rights in 1979. People saw his return of the zone as a major concession of influence in Latin America, and Carter came under heavy criticism.
Iranian students in 1979 took over the American embassy and held hostages, and an attempt to rescue them failed; several additional major crises, including serious fuel shortages and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, marked the final year of his tenure. Edward Moore Kennedy challenged significantly higher disapproval ratings of Carter for nomination of the Democratic Party before the election of 1980. Carter defeated Kennedy for the nomination lost the election to Ronald Wilson Reagan, a Republican.
Carter left office and with Rosalynn Smith Carter, his wife, afterward founded the nongovernmental center and organization that works to advance human rights. He traveled extensively to conduct, to observe elections, and to advance disease prevention and eradication in developing nations. He, a key, also figured in the project of habitat for humanity. Carter particularly vocalized on the Palestinian conflict.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jimmyc...
James Earl Carter, Junior, known as Jimmy, the thirty-ninth president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, creditably established energy-conservation measures, concluded the treaties of Panama Canal in 1978, negotiated the accords of Camp David between Egypt and Israel in 1979, and won the Nobel Prize of 2002 for peace.
Ronald Wilson Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter, the incumbent, in the presidential election of 1980.
He served and received. Carter served two terms in the senate of Georgia and as the 76th governor from 1971 to 1975.
Carter created new Cabinet-level Department of education. A national policy included price decontrol and new technology. From 1977, people reduced foreign oil imports one-half to 1982. In foreign affairs, Carter pursued the second round of strategic arms limitation talks (SALT). Carter sought to put a stronger emphasis on human rights in 1979. People saw his return of the zone as a major concession of influence in Latin America, and Carter came under heavy criticism.
Iranian students in 1979 took over the American embassy and held hostages, and an attempt to rescue them failed; several additional major crises, including serious fuel shortages and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, marked the final year of his tenure. Edward Moore Kennedy challenged significantly higher disapproval ratings of Carter for nomination of the Democratic Party before the election of 1980. Carter defeated Kennedy for the nomination lost the election to Ronald Wilson Reagan, a Republican.
Carter left office and with Rosalynn Smith Carter, his wife, afterward founded the nongovernmental center and organization that works to advance human rights. He traveled extensively to conduct, to observe elections, and to advance disease prevention and eradication in developing nations. He, a key, also figured in the project of habitat for humanity. Carter particularly vocalized on the Palestinian conflict.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jimmyc...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
November 27, 2022
This is a great book written by our former president Jimmy Carter. He remanices about his childhood Christmases spent in his home in Plains Georgia. It is a very quaint pleseant read.
November 20, 2023
In memory of Rosalind carter, November 19, 2023
February 21, 2016
A quick read by one of my favorite presidents. My reading of this was enhanced by the trip my Mom and I took to Plains, Georgia two years ago. Merry Christmas!
August 19, 2014
Although this will probably not win any literary awards, I loved the style of writing. Jimmy Carter writes like he talks, as if he was sitting in your living room, and you, are his only audience. He shares his stories with intimacy and poignancy.
January 7, 2012
Book club Christmas selection. In an effort to choose an non-romance Christmas-themed novel, my book club selected this pseudo-memoir by former President, Jimmy Carter. I have always felt a special affinity to Carter as I was born during his administration. Additionally, I think out of all the president's to date, I resonate most with his peace-building, human-centric policies. I call this book a pseudo-memoir, as Carter re-tells his life stories through the lens of the annual celebration of Christmas - whether that is in his home town of Plains, Georgia, in various locations with the Navy or in the White House. I was most struck by his remembrances of childhood depression era Christmas celebrations. The sharp focus on friends, family and appreciating the small things in life are in sharp contrast to the hyped-up, larger-than-life, capitalistic Christmas celebrations of today. For me, a perfect reflection on simplicity, contentment and the "true" meaning of Christmas during this busy holiday season.
December 20, 2018
This book has many interesting historical facts about the winter holidays in the South, especially during The Great Depression, as seen through President Carter's memories of traditional Christmas celebrations in Georgia.
I read this book because I needed to check off a book, written by a politician no longer in office, for the Better World Books 2018 Reading Challenge; and seeing I only have ten days to finish the last five books in the challenge with the holidays also in full swing, I needed a short book. Ha ha. I knew I wanted to read a book by Jimmy Carter and this one was a perfect fit because not only is it short, it's about the winter holidays!
I read this book because I needed to check off a book, written by a politician no longer in office, for the Better World Books 2018 Reading Challenge; and seeing I only have ten days to finish the last five books in the challenge with the holidays also in full swing, I needed a short book. Ha ha. I knew I wanted to read a book by Jimmy Carter and this one was a perfect fit because not only is it short, it's about the winter holidays!
June 9, 2017
As presidents go, I’ve always liked Jimmy Carter. From his humble country roots to his humanitarian efforts, he seems like a sincere man with solid values and great regard and respect for others. His belief that all Americans should be able to afford a home and his desire to help them do so inspired his post-presidential Habitat for Humanity project. Unlike many politicians, he could not be bought out by special interest groups. His farmer’s forward-thinking desire to save the western states from the destructive cattle ranching industry cost him reelection. If only he had succeeded in regulating the cattle industry, rather than losing every state west of Minnesota in the 1980 election, scarcity of water and ruined public lands would not be the severe problems that they are in the West today. But I digress.
Former US president Jimmy Carter’s audiobook of Christmas memories gives us insight into his personality and values as well as his experiences. Throughout, he shows great compassion for others and the ability to laugh at himself. His sentimental attachment to Plains, Georgia, where he grew up is evident. In his own sweetly accented voice, Carter offers us a slice of Americana both in his rural Southern childhood recollections and his descriptions of US government history as he experienced it during his years in elected office.
Carter loves and values his hometown, his church, his farm, and his family. From watching his mom make sure that farmworkers' children received a gift, to sending out thousands of Christmas cards from the White House (without charging it to taxpayers), to finessing the financing to get a poor man into a home where everything worked and nothing leaked, his Christmas memories reveal his background and character.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about Jimmy Carter. The audiobook format works best, allowing the reader to enjoy the recollections in Carter’s own voice. It’s a charmingly nostalgic look at a lifetime of Christmases, changing throughout the years as they do for all of us.
Former US president Jimmy Carter’s audiobook of Christmas memories gives us insight into his personality and values as well as his experiences. Throughout, he shows great compassion for others and the ability to laugh at himself. His sentimental attachment to Plains, Georgia, where he grew up is evident. In his own sweetly accented voice, Carter offers us a slice of Americana both in his rural Southern childhood recollections and his descriptions of US government history as he experienced it during his years in elected office.
Carter loves and values his hometown, his church, his farm, and his family. From watching his mom make sure that farmworkers' children received a gift, to sending out thousands of Christmas cards from the White House (without charging it to taxpayers), to finessing the financing to get a poor man into a home where everything worked and nothing leaked, his Christmas memories reveal his background and character.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about Jimmy Carter. The audiobook format works best, allowing the reader to enjoy the recollections in Carter’s own voice. It’s a charmingly nostalgic look at a lifetime of Christmases, changing throughout the years as they do for all of us.
December 13, 2014
Christmas In Plains by Jimmy Carter – This a truly delightful memoir by the 39th President of the United States. It focuses on his family’s Christmas celebrations through the years, beginning when he was quite young through his years in the White House, after he left the White House and after he returned to Plains. However, this memoir also provides fascinating glimpses his life in Plains, in the Navy, as the Governor of Georgia, as the President of the United States of America, and his life after the presidency. It’s a thoroughly charming portrait of this acclaimed, humble, compassionate and spiritual man and his family. In addition, Amy Carter contributed illustrations for this book.
November 15, 2011
I have read this book every year for the past 10 years. I was elected Commissioner of the Revenue of Clarke County on the 8th so this book has meaning to me. Every year I read it I find something new.
It is very nostalgic of how Jimmy Carter celebrated Christmas with his family from the time he was a child thru his term of President. Christmas is not always about gifts it is also about time spent with family and friends making memories.
I learned this time that Jimmy Carter's father died of Pancreatic Cancer, same as my Dad.
It is very nostalgic of how Jimmy Carter celebrated Christmas with his family from the time he was a child thru his term of President. Christmas is not always about gifts it is also about time spent with family and friends making memories.
I learned this time that Jimmy Carter's father died of Pancreatic Cancer, same as my Dad.
May 16, 2010
memories of Christmas. Sweet, simple book that would not have been published if not written by ex president.
December 24, 2016
A pleasant, quick read during the holidays.
December 26, 2018
I enjoyed reading about his childhood Christmases in Plains although I got rather bored with the adult Christmases.
But, I’m glad I stuck with it because reading the book reminded me of some of his achievements, especially post-presidency. He has worked unceasingly with Habitat for Humanity and established the Carter Center which works for human rights worldwide.
Overall, the character a President should have.
But, I’m glad I stuck with it because reading the book reminded me of some of his achievements, especially post-presidency. He has worked unceasingly with Habitat for Humanity and established the Carter Center which works for human rights worldwide.
Overall, the character a President should have.
December 29, 2024
Finished this today while I got the notification that he passed away. A fun short glimpse into his life around Christmastime
November 7, 2016
A sweet, honest story about the meaning of home, family, and Christmas to one of our former presidents.
December 19, 2020
Jimmy Carter was the 39th President of the United States, in office from 1977 to 1981. At the time I'm writing this (December 2020), he's the oldest living President, the longest lived US President ever and he has the longest post-Presidency of any of them - 40 years in January. I'm not American, so don't have much knowledge of his presidency, but I know he's a man of fairly humble beginnings, and someone who has arguably done a lot more for America and the world since leaving the presidency, through his charity and humanitarian work. He's also written a lot of books. I've never read any of them, but have long admired the man and wanted to read something of his. Every Christmas I think about reading this book of Christmas reminiscences, and this is the year I finally got around to it.
This is a fairly quick read, and I found it a fascinating book. It starts off with his reminiscences of early childhood Christmases, growing up in the Great Depression of the early 1930s (he was born in 1924) in a Georgia that was still racially segregated. Carter spent his childhood playing mainly with the black children in the neighbourhood, and it seems his family was very progressive compared to most, but the book does show the differences between the Carters and their black neighbours, in terms of Christmas and more generally. More than anything, the book shows a much more humble Christmas, free of commercial influence, but full of joy, family time and happy memories.
The second half of the book, which I enjoyed less but was still good, skipped lightly across the years and mentions Christmases when he was serving in the navy, when he was governor of Georgia, his years in the White House, and in the post-presidency years. There's a particularly poignant description of a Christmas in the early 1990s when they spend the time up to Christmas helping build a house for a black neighbour including a last minute rush to get it ready on Christmas Eve night. He described it as probably his best Christmas memory.
Overall, a really interesting and enjoyable book.
This is a fairly quick read, and I found it a fascinating book. It starts off with his reminiscences of early childhood Christmases, growing up in the Great Depression of the early 1930s (he was born in 1924) in a Georgia that was still racially segregated. Carter spent his childhood playing mainly with the black children in the neighbourhood, and it seems his family was very progressive compared to most, but the book does show the differences between the Carters and their black neighbours, in terms of Christmas and more generally. More than anything, the book shows a much more humble Christmas, free of commercial influence, but full of joy, family time and happy memories.
The second half of the book, which I enjoyed less but was still good, skipped lightly across the years and mentions Christmases when he was serving in the navy, when he was governor of Georgia, his years in the White House, and in the post-presidency years. There's a particularly poignant description of a Christmas in the early 1990s when they spend the time up to Christmas helping build a house for a black neighbour including a last minute rush to get it ready on Christmas Eve night. He described it as probably his best Christmas memory.
Overall, a really interesting and enjoyable book.
November 25, 2017
This was a very pleasant book to read on this foggy Saturday morning. While I enjoyed President Carter’s memories of Christmases over the years, I was most appreciative of the reminder of what a real president is like — a person who is kind and caring to all, someone who is dedicated to peace and unity throughout the world, a leader who believes in solving problems through diplomacy and negotiation and who has respect for all cultures and differences.
January 2, 2023
An enjoyable and nostalgic Christmas read by 39th President Jimmy Carter. I really enjoyed the White House years as it reminded me of some US history that I forgot. Details changes in life from the 1930 - 1980's.
December 11, 2016
Nice quick read!
December 28, 2016
I'll give any book of Jimmy Carter's five stars on principle, because I have such incredible respect for him, but this is charming and nostalgic.
December 29, 2016
It is a feel good book, wonderful to read around the holiday. Have always been interested in President Carter, and this was a small and wonderful way to get a glimpse into his life.
February 6, 2017
An enjoyable read. I love Jimmy Carter as a person and past president.
December 27, 2017
2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge: A book written by someone you admire
December 13, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It's a quiet, thoughtful collection of essays by former President Jimmy Carter as he looks back at the celebration of Christmas throughout his life. From his boyhood in rural Georgia, to his years in the Navy, to his years as governor of Georgia and as US president, and finally his post-presidential years, one of the constants has been returning to Plains to celebrate Christmas as much as possible. He talks about how Christmas and family always calls him home to Plains, even as the celebration changes. The book 's tone is folksy and it feels as if you're sitting down with him and listening to his memories of times past and near. There are even a few illustrations, done by his daughter Amy. A nice read for the Christmas season.
December 11, 2025
Jimmy Carter offers a nostalgic collage of his Christmas memories in this book, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t tug on my heart strings. One memory in particular, his recollection of Christmas in 1978, stood out. Poor Jimmy Carter. I can’t believe Egyptian President Anwar Sadat exposed him for having hemorrhoids, even though it was a well-intentioned request for prayers for the peacemaking president. I would bury my head in the sand if that was me.
December 16, 2018
US President Jimmy Carter is a great man. Enjoy reading what Christmas has meant for him. It traces his story from childhood through the Oval Office. A nice, quick X-mas read.
January 1, 2020
An enjoyable Christmas memoir.
January 31, 2024
Love Jimmy Carter, a good man!
February 23, 2025
Christmas Memories
I really enjoyed this book about President Carter’s Christmas memories! This is the second time I have read the book.
I really enjoyed this book about President Carter’s Christmas memories! This is the second time I have read the book.
December 23, 2025
Sweet and poignant stories. I had no idea JC was such an excellent writer.
November 26, 2024
Very enjoyable. A mini memoir recounting Christmas memories throughout life (childhood in small town Georgia during the Depression, being in the navy, the White House, and after). Read by the author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews