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Christmas Tin #1
The Christmas Tin
Jesse Maclean is concerned that the commercialism of the holidays has distracted his daughter from the real reason why Christmas is celebrated. He determines to tell his daughter a Christmas story—one that conveys the true meaning of the holiday. And he knows just the story.
The year is 1968 and Jesse's father is serving a tour in Vietnam. Jesse and his mother are struggling to make ends meet. He gives little thought to the approaching holidays. That changes however, when he is befriended by Ardella Calder, an elderly customer on his paper route. During a visit, the woman shows Jesse her Christmas Tin. Inside it are gifts from her most memorable Christmases. As she tells Jesse the heartwarming stories behind the gifts, he slowly comes around. But just when things are looking up, the Macleans receive a telegram with dire news about Jesse's father.
It is during this time that Ardella tells Jesse a final story, a poignant, war time holiday story. A story to guide Jesse through his grief and show him that sometimes faith and hope can bring light to even the darkest of places.
The year is 1968 and Jesse's father is serving a tour in Vietnam. Jesse and his mother are struggling to make ends meet. He gives little thought to the approaching holidays. That changes however, when he is befriended by Ardella Calder, an elderly customer on his paper route. During a visit, the woman shows Jesse her Christmas Tin. Inside it are gifts from her most memorable Christmases. As she tells Jesse the heartwarming stories behind the gifts, he slowly comes around. But just when things are looking up, the Macleans receive a telegram with dire news about Jesse's father.
It is during this time that Ardella tells Jesse a final story, a poignant, war time holiday story. A story to guide Jesse through his grief and show him that sometimes faith and hope can bring light to even the darkest of places.
158 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 1, 2017
This was a cut above many of the Christmas stories I have read. I like the ones about teens or small children and not the romantic ones that are on the market, although I do like romantic Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel.
Jesse, the teenage boy in this book, has taken a paper route because his father is in the Vietnam war, and he knows he needs to help out his mother in order to make ends meet. But he is not getting good grades at school, not because of his paper route, but because he misses his dad.
One day when he delivers some papers at a nursing home, he is asked to deliver one to a new resident, a woman named Ardella.
He finds that Ardella's room is decorated up for Christmas, and while looking around he eyes a Christmas tin. He asks about it, and she tells him that the next time he comes she will tell him a story about the tin box, but it isn't just one story, for inside the box there are a few items that she saved because they were very meaningful to her, and they each have their own story. They are about people she knew, and they are about her life.
When he hears these stories you find out that each of them is so wonderful, and it made me wish that I had keepsake Christmas tin, but when I think about it I have a keepsake box, and this year a friend gave me a tiny hand painted wooden mouse that she had made long ago. She asked me to take care of it for her. It will go into my keepsake box. Still, a handmade tin just sounds like a wonderful place to put keepsakes and stories. While my own keepsakes have stories, none of them are as rich as those in this book.
One of Adella's stories takes place during the post-slavery days, another during the depression, and I don't remember the others, but I am sure to read this again next year, and then I will remember.
Jesse, the teenage boy in this book, has taken a paper route because his father is in the Vietnam war, and he knows he needs to help out his mother in order to make ends meet. But he is not getting good grades at school, not because of his paper route, but because he misses his dad.
One day when he delivers some papers at a nursing home, he is asked to deliver one to a new resident, a woman named Ardella.
He finds that Ardella's room is decorated up for Christmas, and while looking around he eyes a Christmas tin. He asks about it, and she tells him that the next time he comes she will tell him a story about the tin box, but it isn't just one story, for inside the box there are a few items that she saved because they were very meaningful to her, and they each have their own story. They are about people she knew, and they are about her life.
When he hears these stories you find out that each of them is so wonderful, and it made me wish that I had keepsake Christmas tin, but when I think about it I have a keepsake box, and this year a friend gave me a tiny hand painted wooden mouse that she had made long ago. She asked me to take care of it for her. It will go into my keepsake box. Still, a handmade tin just sounds like a wonderful place to put keepsakes and stories. While my own keepsakes have stories, none of them are as rich as those in this book.
One of Adella's stories takes place during the post-slavery days, another during the depression, and I don't remember the others, but I am sure to read this again next year, and then I will remember.
May 26, 2013
I won this book through Goodreads Firstreads. Thank you! It's a wonderful and beautiful story that could be read any time of the year and not just Christmas. Jesse Maclean fears that his young daughter has lost the true meaning of Christmas so he tells her the story of the Christmas Tin which has been placed on the windowsill for the holidays. Souvenirs and memories of the past are enclosed in this tin and each item represents a story about miracles, family hardships, faith and love. I shed a few tears while reading this engaging little book. Can be read in 2 hours. 3.5 stars
December 15, 2021
This was the sweetest story I've read this year. Poignant, moving, I got teary eyed. Beyond the simple setting of a father telling his daughter a story, this delved into the background of others and told their stories. This was a meaningful story that captivated my heart. A strong 5 starts for this excellent tale.
December 27, 2020
4 ⭐
A nostalgic Christmas read told over multiple timelines. It was a great read for the holidays and put me in the Christmas mood. I just wish it was longer and that more of Ardella's stories were told.
A nostalgic Christmas read told over multiple timelines. It was a great read for the holidays and put me in the Christmas mood. I just wish it was longer and that more of Ardella's stories were told.
December 1, 2017
the Christmas tin
this was a great book. I could not put it down. It had my attention through the whole
,story. Wonderful Christmas story. Would recommend this book 're my friends.
this was a great book. I could not put it down. It had my attention through the whole
,story. Wonderful Christmas story. Would recommend this book 're my friends.
January 17, 2016
By: Roderick J. Robison
Published By Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Age Recommend: Teen - Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"The Christmas Tin by Roderick J. Robison was a wonderful Christmas read that was indeed enjoyable from the start to the very end. This is a read for everyone who would truly find some value as well as appreciation for this wonderful well written novel. I can see this would be of benefit for many families to start this treasure of keeping a 'Christmas Tin.' Wow is all I have to say. This was such a incredible story of a father telling his daughter of his traditional Christmas and how he got this wonderful gift of the tin. The characters that were presented in the novel were simply wonderful...especially Ardella's wonderful stories...of the doves, ornament and the letter...all bond up in her life. In this tin were 'souvenirs and memories' of Ardella's past with each one representing a story of 'love, hardships, miracles and faith.' This is a short read but such a powerful one that you will not forget. Even though this read can be read anytime I would still recommend it during the Christmas holidays.
If you have not had a chance to read "The Christmas Tin" I would definitely recommend you pick up the truly amazing read. You will not be sorry one bit.
Published By Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Age Recommend: Teen - Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"The Christmas Tin by Roderick J. Robison was a wonderful Christmas read that was indeed enjoyable from the start to the very end. This is a read for everyone who would truly find some value as well as appreciation for this wonderful well written novel. I can see this would be of benefit for many families to start this treasure of keeping a 'Christmas Tin.' Wow is all I have to say. This was such a incredible story of a father telling his daughter of his traditional Christmas and how he got this wonderful gift of the tin. The characters that were presented in the novel were simply wonderful...especially Ardella's wonderful stories...of the doves, ornament and the letter...all bond up in her life. In this tin were 'souvenirs and memories' of Ardella's past with each one representing a story of 'love, hardships, miracles and faith.' This is a short read but such a powerful one that you will not forget. Even though this read can be read anytime I would still recommend it during the Christmas holidays.
If you have not had a chance to read "The Christmas Tin" I would definitely recommend you pick up the truly amazing read. You will not be sorry one bit.
November 10, 2017
I love a sweet Christmas story!
June 22, 2013
Jesse Maclean tells his daughter a Christmas story that conveys the true meaning of Christmas that he had learned as a young boy. His father was serving in the war in Viet Nam and to help his mother with finances, he delivered newspapers. He befriends one of his customers and is curious about the Christmas Tin in the window. She explains a few of the items and the meaning behind each story. And that faith and hope can bring light into a saddened heart.
I love the idea of a Christmas Tin - a time capsule if you will - a special place to keep those special memories. A book to be read anytime of the year, but a nice one to read in front of the Christmas tree and roaring fire with a cup of warm cider. 3.5 stars
I love the idea of a Christmas Tin - a time capsule if you will - a special place to keep those special memories. A book to be read anytime of the year, but a nice one to read in front of the Christmas tree and roaring fire with a cup of warm cider. 3.5 stars
November 20, 2013
I saw this book recommended on the friends list, and bought it from Amazon. This is a very good short read. The tin box brings back memories of Christmas time from the past. It shows how families dealt with having very few material things, but still had memorable times at Christmas, and the love they showed each other.
December 25, 2013
This book claims to be about the real reason that Christmas is celebrated, yet the name Jesus is not mentioned once... Could it be that the author doesn't really know himself what the true meaning of Christmas is? "For unto us a child is born, unto us a Savior given." Isaiah 9:6
November 16, 2013
An outstanding book with messages of hope, love, and family.
November 20, 2013
Very nice Christmas story
February 6, 2017
One of the Best Christmas Stories I have read this year. Love & Hope through the eyes of a child and an elderly patient in a Nursing Home.
December 26, 2020
This is quite a nice story about the meaning of Christmas which in this book is that Christmas is a season of goodwill and we should be nice to each other and selfless. This is quite a good concept, a man has a Christmas tin with keepsakes in it and tells his children the story of the tin and all of the things in it. The stories span from 1850 to the Second World War. I enjoyed the Vietnam sections and could have had more of this, the writing was not great, it was ok but I think it could have been more engaging and some of the dialogue was odd and I think unrealistic, also because it was so sentimental some parts were sanitised like the story in 1850 on a plantation where the slave owners just happen to be really nice people, I think that there were ‘nice’ slave owners but this seemed a bit much for me.
December 28, 2016
I won this book a couple years ago through Goodreads. I read a chapter or two, but stopped because I wanted to save it for Christmastime. I found it this year stuck in with Christmas decorations and read it all the way through this time. Really enjoyed this book. Nice mix of modern day storytelling mixed with historical tales. The author did a good job of moving back and forth in time and the story was both interesting and believable. Highly recommended - this would make a great Christmas gift. Order now and you'll be set for next year.
January 8, 2022
A warm wonderful reminder of one of the main things makes Christmas special
The author has done a masterful job of linking several different times into a wonderful story. The reader is treated to views of Christmas that present views into the lives of people while also teaching a truth without preaching.
The characters are presented so believable you feel like you really know them. The settings are painted with a deft hand.
I highly recommend this book not only at Christmas but any time of the year. The truths presented are not limited to Christmas.
The author has done a masterful job of linking several different times into a wonderful story. The reader is treated to views of Christmas that present views into the lives of people while also teaching a truth without preaching.
The characters are presented so believable you feel like you really know them. The settings are painted with a deft hand.
I highly recommend this book not only at Christmas but any time of the year. The truths presented are not limited to Christmas.
December 13, 2017
Sweet Christmas Story
An father tells his two children about how he acquired an old tin box filled with Christmas mementos, which came about when he befriended a woman in a nursing home on his childhood paper route. The story travels back and forth in time, with details about her life, his life and even the life of a former slave who had contributed to the woman's Christmas memories. A pleasant read for the holiday season.
An father tells his two children about how he acquired an old tin box filled with Christmas mementos, which came about when he befriended a woman in a nursing home on his childhood paper route. The story travels back and forth in time, with details about her life, his life and even the life of a former slave who had contributed to the woman's Christmas memories. A pleasant read for the holiday season.
November 26, 2025
A beautifully written tale of Christmases past and present. Learning traditions and creating new ones. As seen/felt by a young boy/man growing up during the Vietnam War when his father is called to duty. How taking on the job of a paper boy to help his mother with the mortgage and bills leads him to meeting a remarkable woman in a nursing home. She has a profound effect on the young man andhe carries her lessons with him.
November 4, 2017
Who doesn't love a Chris story?
I loved this story...teaching the that money can't buy everything. Sometimes a simple homemade tin box can be worth a million dollars. Especially if what's in the box tells the stories. Be sure to read this one. It will make you some smile and tug art you heart.
I loved this story...teaching the that money can't buy everything. Sometimes a simple homemade tin box can be worth a million dollars. Especially if what's in the box tells the stories. Be sure to read this one. It will make you some smile and tug art you heart.
December 20, 2018
A Heartfelt Christmas Story
Oh my, what a beautiful Christmas story! I so enjoy reading stories like these, especially if they have a touch of nostalgia. My favorite character in this story was Ardelal, a wise and kind hearted elderly lady in the nursing home. She reminded me of the lyrics in the song, “Angels Among Us”. I highly recommend this story!
Oh my, what a beautiful Christmas story! I so enjoy reading stories like these, especially if they have a touch of nostalgia. My favorite character in this story was Ardelal, a wise and kind hearted elderly lady in the nursing home. She reminded me of the lyrics in the song, “Angels Among Us”. I highly recommend this story!
November 20, 2016
Nice start to the Christmas season. Sweet story of a hard working young boy whose father is fighting in the Vietnam war. He makes a new friend in the nursing home and an is encouraged by her stories of Christmas miracles.
November 12, 2017
Good heartwarming story
The story was creatively told and inspiring. I loved the faith promoted within the story. There were a few mistakes not caught in the editing which were a little distracting when encountered, but overall a good read.
The story was creatively told and inspiring. I loved the faith promoted within the story. There were a few mistakes not caught in the editing which were a little distracting when encountered, but overall a good read.
November 12, 2017
Stories
Loved the story. Well written. Makes you pull memories from your past. Enjoy the story and warmth of caring people. An old woman reaching out to a young child. A quite man that listens and sees but you don't know that he does.
Loved the story. Well written. Makes you pull memories from your past. Enjoy the story and warmth of caring people. An old woman reaching out to a young child. A quite man that listens and sees but you don't know that he does.
December 26, 2017
Beautiful story!
Beautiful Christmas story! I finished it on Christmas Day. Lots of life lessons nicely woven together. As a hockey fan, I enjoyed how hockey was a central part of the story!
Beautiful Christmas story! I finished it on Christmas Day. Lots of life lessons nicely woven together. As a hockey fan, I enjoyed how hockey was a central part of the story!
December 4, 2018
Christmas Corn
I almost never give bad reviews, but this seemed to have a lot of filler to extend it into a novel. Also, the story was kind of corny. I think it was a freebie. I read it because I wanted to read a Christmas novel. Ended up skimming most of it.
I almost never give bad reviews, but this seemed to have a lot of filler to extend it into a novel. Also, the story was kind of corny. I think it was a freebie. I read it because I wanted to read a Christmas novel. Ended up skimming most of it.
December 25, 2018
Christina Tin with beauty
I was looking for a nice Christmas story. I surely found it in this beautiful story. This is a beautiful story of family love and experience that hold a family together . A beautiful story of several generations that share love together
I was looking for a nice Christmas story. I surely found it in this beautiful story. This is a beautiful story of family love and experience that hold a family together . A beautiful story of several generations that share love together
February 7, 2019
Great book!
2000, 1968, 1850, 1933. What do these years have in common? The best way to learn a little history from the storyteller/ narrator of a wonderful Christmas story! I loved this book!
2000, 1968, 1850, 1933. What do these years have in common? The best way to learn a little history from the storyteller/ narrator of a wonderful Christmas story! I loved this book!
December 2, 2019
Memories
Loved the book. Story so touching and sweet. Wonder why we don't hav e a memory box. Going to start looking for a tin box for our families memories right now. This
Story has inspired me to start our Christmas tin
box. Thank you!
Loved the book. Story so touching and sweet. Wonder why we don't hav e a memory box. Going to start looking for a tin box for our families memories right now. This
Story has inspired me to start our Christmas tin
box. Thank you!
January 15, 2021
A Wonderful Story
This story was so well written I felt like I was there. The characters were believable and interesting. It f!owed well and blessed my heart. I rea!ly appreciated the stories in the story.
This story was so well written I felt like I was there. The characters were believable and interesting. It f!owed well and blessed my heart. I rea!ly appreciated the stories in the story.
July 13, 2022
excellent
A story that focus on enjoying Christmas spirit and gratitude. Very enjoyable read of a young man and how his heart was opened to feel love around him at the special time of year.
A story that focus on enjoying Christmas spirit and gratitude. Very enjoyable read of a young man and how his heart was opened to feel love around him at the special time of year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews