Secret Santa

by Anne Osborn Poelman

Christmas in 1933 looks to be anything but merry for many families. As the Great Depression grinds on, work, cash, and hope become scarce commodities. Hendrik and Sarah van Sloten have come to the inevitable conclusion thousands of unemployed and destitute must No Christmas this year.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Historical Fiction, Historical

153 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading about Christmas during the Great Depression puts the trials of COVID-19 and the year 2020 in perspective. We have so much and are so blessed. Poelman did a great job transporting me to 1933, and I really felt the poverty and struggle of the main character and his family. The climax resolution was a bit convenient, but I'm glad it turned out the way it it. The very ending came out of the blue, and I wasn't quite prepared for it, but it was satisfying. I would have like the wrap-up to have been a bit longer, too. Some of the dialogue felt a little more like exposition, but once I got used to it, it was no problem. Good book and worth reading.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cliche term, but appropriate for this story: HEARTWARMING.

[Dorry Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of what Christmas is really about, thinking of others.

[Ginger Linkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little feel-good.

[Jennifer Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming story.

[Emerie McQuiston · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute and fast holiday read

[Camie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a second read for me. I decided to read a couple of my Christmas books this Christmas season and I enjoyed reading this one again. This is set in the Great Depression and is a story about the oldest boy of a family putting together Christmas for his family. I find it hard to understand the kind of poverty many families faced during this time period and this is a great example of how happiness can still prevail during times of great hardship. I wish more people these days including my own children could experience this type of true giving.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a story written about the experience of her husband Tom Poelman and his family during the depression and what life was like. I thought it was wonderful gave a lot of insight as to how family lived and had to go through. What a big heart Tom had and also the challenges that people who have not are treated by people who have. It surprises me when people with the gospel treat others so unkind. Good Book. good author

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story, and I wish that it was real. The story is about a teenage boy that takes his family's hardship and turns their christmas in to a Christmas they'll never forget. This boy is just how I hope my kids will be when they get older: self-less, smart, determined, and hard workers.

[NaDell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was set in the Great Depression time and I loved reading the generosity and good deeds in the book. It was an excellent read and well worth the short time it took me to read it, but maybe I should have read it a little closer to Christmas....

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The van Sloten family celebrate Christmas during the Depression! With very little food on their table, Tom--the eldest son--eagerly uses every bit of his savings, to attend the university, to provide his family a much needed holiday.

[Karajayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so my rating might be a little bit biased as this book is based off real life events of my father's family. it is written by my aunt and is truly heartwarming. it's a quick read and an easy way to get you into the true spirit of christmas.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's just one of those feel good Christmas books that can really put you in the spirit od the season. If you are still looking for a good quick read for the Holidays pick this one up! You'll be glad you did!

[Kari Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a family during the time of the Depression. Their teenage son decides to be a Secret Santa and provide Christmas for his poor family. This is a great book to read together as a family.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad to begin the Christmas season. Fairly predictable with an abrupt ending that was disappointing. (The abruptness was disappointing, not the actual ending.) It's a quick read though, and it made me feel good so...not bad.

[Rickelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart-warming story set in the Great Depression era. A young man - the main character in the story - demonstrates to his family and community the true blessing that comes from sacrificing prized possessions and being completely selfless.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a tender story of A boy Tom who during depression and his family poor deciedes to be a Secret Santa for his brothers and siser. He uses money he gets a work and uses money he has saved to go to the University. Then he gets a bonuse at work he doesn't expect

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet and touching Christmas story!

[Aunt Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't enjoy anything sweet. I like harder sader stories.

[Jessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little story about a kid wanting to give his family a good Christmas

[Meadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes place during the depression and I try and read it every year before Christmas. It really puts all the gift giving into perspective.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story took place during the Depression and really helped me be grateful for what I do have. It was a cute, heart-warming story about a boy who learns selflessness.

[Jodi Heiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Holiday story set in the era of the depression.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off slowly for me, but in the end, I really did like it.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Christmas story about sacrifice from a young man during the depression.

[Zina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope to be able to read this to grandchildren next Christmas. Thoughtful. I found it accidentally at the Library looking for a Potock book!

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really sweet story. It reminded me of how blessed I am, and it taught how it is so much more important to give than to receive.

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical depression era Christmas story. Nice family and nice ending, but nothing really new.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feel-good Christmas story set in the Great Depression. Not my favorite Christmas book but a good reminder of how much I have to be thankful for.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

short book that did a good job of portraying a poor family at the time of the deepression during the Christmas season. It was a touching story of their sacrifices they made.