The First Gift of Christmas

by Richard Paul Evans

Explores the meaning of Christmas in reflections and introspections centered on the four seasons of Christmas--the Advent, Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, and Christmas night

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Inspirational, Poetry, Holiday, Christian, Novella

64 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1996

About the author

When Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. His quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. He has since written eleven consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He is one the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won several awards for his books including the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards, and the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers.

Reviews

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 stars for the illustrations

Divided into the “Four Seasons of Christmas,” this poem begins with the first season, The Advent, a time of waiting in expectation, followed by The Eve, a time of anticipation and joy. The third season, The Morning, is about the magic of the morning, and how fleeting that can seem, which is followed by The Night, the fourth season, and the feelings which follow, wondering if we, as parents, are giving children what they really need, the lesson that "the greatest gifts are received in the giving.”

The illustrations add a Dickens-esque kind of charm to this, and are liberally spread throughout these pages.

[Yaritza · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super short novel that has four short poems. The first one is titled advent, then the eve, the morning and the finally the night. I felt the first three poems were profound and brighten your day with all the wonders of Christmas. The last poem was more like questions about will the children remember this Christmas and were they inspired and keep the Christmas spirit as they grow up. The illustrations brought me back to the good old days.

[Wanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ordered this book online and was a little disappointed as it read more of a book of poetry. Not quite what I was use to reading by Richard Paul Evans.

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's just a cute little book to read during the Christmastime!

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story.

[KiwiGirl1008 · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a great short book but like others have said it reads that more of poetry. However, the illustrations are beautiful.

[Robin Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short little book with some very cool pictures which I remember more than I do the actual stories.

[Rachel Wetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy read, but made you think. 💭

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in the style of a four chapter poem, this short book is a quick, beautiful read.

Some of my favorite passages from the book:

"A gilded tree
In quiet twilight shimmers,
Anticipates the dawn assault
Of flannel-clad children
Frantically descending
To scavenge its boughs
In search of treasure."

"Each empty box confirms anew
A lesson best learned and taken to heart,
The wanting is often better than that hoped for,
The journey better than the destination."

"For life, like Christmas, is but a journey,
And we, its children,
Were born travelers."

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as a Christmas gift from a very good friend and I will cherish this book forever. I love Richard Paul Evans but this book means so much more to be because of the person who gave it to me. What a beautiful gift to give.

[Clareece Lewelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read and a GREAT Christmas story.

[Amy Webster-Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome little book, and the pictures are wonderful,

[Mary B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Storygraph App provides this review, as written on the overleaf -
"In four seasons of Christmas--The Advent, The Eve, The Morning, The Night--Evans presents a stirring introspection of love, faith and parenthood. At each season, he asks the hard questions: Will we grant Christmas access to our souls? Did we give the children enough faith and magic to carry them throughout their lives?

"The First Gift of Christmas" is a gift in itself--from one heart to another."

This is a very short read, presented in four "seasons" (or sections) - The Advent, The Eve, The Morning, and The Night. It is poetic in nature and accompanied by lovely sketches throughout, although the artist is not named. It really took me back to my childhood and how my family celebrated the day.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a novella as I thought, but a collection of four poems (if you can call them that). I finished reading it in about ten minutes. I think Evans is riding on the coattails of The Christmas Box with this one. He may have felt he was being profound, but I didn't find him so. The last couple of stanzas of Is It Enough? were good, but other than that, there was nothing awe-inspiring.

[L Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, Loved, Loved this one!!! Especially the Fourth Season of Christmas - The Night... made me hope for my girls, that I've instilled these feelings in them as they journey forward in their lives!!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short sweet book about the Christmas we should all be focused on and the traditions we should be passing down to our kids. Nothing complex or complicated just loving and sharing and caring and remembering the first Christmas and the wonderful first Christmas gift to all mankind !!

[Colleen Mertens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of poems moves us from advent through Christmas day to reflect on what only the heart can store. It takes of preparing for Jesus and for realizing what really matters at this time of year.

[𝕸𝖎𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖊𝖑 𝕮. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although short, this book is so heartwarming and is the epitome of a traditional Christmas. It feels so precious to read and the illustrations are beautiful!!

I love the poetry! It is so well-written!
Love love love 🎄🎁🎅🏻

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written as all his are, and a valuable reminder for this time of year - or any. Thanks, Pat.

[Danita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple book but does remind us of why Christmas is important.

[Lis Sigona · Rating 1 out of 5]

A poetry book - wasn’t really something I was into nor that I could follow or understand. Wasn’t that thrilled with this.

[Anne (Angel Anne Reviews) Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 angel stars
Anot her amazing story. Short but sweet. LOVE

[HappyGay Bakunzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad I got it. It makes me think.

[Rebecca Heywood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was going to be closer to the Christmas box, but it was all poetry. It was good, but I was disappointed

[Sue J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very beautiful. He never disappoints his readers.

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book of poetry . It asked some good questions. The illustrations added to the poetry

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book of poetry and illustrations about the four seasons of Christmas - Advent, Christmas Eve, Christmas Morning, and Christmas Night.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book at Raly in Nephi read and returned. June 2022

[Theresa Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute of a little book. Loved the First Season of Christmas!!!