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The Hired Man's Christmas
In the tradition of Christmas memoirs such as "A Child's Christmas in Wales" and "A Christmas Memory, The Hired Man's Christmas" is the story of how the events of two Christmas Eves brought George Givens from boyhood into manhood. Every summer a mysterious man known only as "Frank" arrives to help George Givens's grandfather with his farmwork. No one knows the hired man's last name, where he comes from, or why he always seems to be so sad. Once the season's crops are harvested, he disappears only to reappear the following summer. This routine continues for many years -- until one fateful Christmas Eve.
The hired man never returns to the Givens farm after that day, and the mystery of his final disappearance seems destined to remain unsolved. Then, on Christmas Eve many years later, George serendipitously discovers the long-lost hired man's fate. This discovery teaches him a powerful lesson about the importance of family and the endurance of love.
"The Hired Man's Christmas" is a story of simpler times, but its message resonates across the years and in the hearts of fathers and sons even today.
The hired man never returns to the Givens farm after that day, and the mystery of his final disappearance seems destined to remain unsolved. Then, on Christmas Eve many years later, George serendipitously discovers the long-lost hired man's fate. This discovery teaches him a powerful lesson about the importance of family and the endurance of love.
"The Hired Man's Christmas" is a story of simpler times, but its message resonates across the years and in the hearts of fathers and sons even today.
111 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 31, 2019
I rather enjoyed the beginning of the story when the main character, George, was a young boy. Then almost immediately he became a young man. "The Hired Man", Frank, had a small but pivotal role in the book. Certainly a feel good story for the season! 😊
December 5, 2025
Fathers and sons have traditionally had a host of issues in communicating with each other, not the least of which is that men are taught to be stoic and not express their feelings. That attitude is changing, but I think men still have tough expectations placed on them that make talking about how they feel very difficult. The Hired Man's Christmas is a true story about the effect of one father and son relationship on a young man who has his own difficulties with his uncommunicative father.
The story begins in the Depression years and young George is living with his family in a farm that is next door to his grandparents' farm. They all work together for family survival through hard times, and George and his father Morris both dote on George's grandfather, called Bah by the family. One summer day a stranger shows up looking for work. Since it is the Depression, there is plenty of work on the farm, but no money to pay anyone, but the stranger is willing to work for room and board, so he stays for the summer. He works until harvest time, and then disappears until the next spring. Frank, the 'hobo' doesn't talk much and they don't know anything about him except that he is a great worker.
Then one cold Christmas Eve when the family is gathered to celebrate, Frank unexpectedly shows up at the door. They give him shelter, but he doesn't want to engage in the festivities. In fact, he seems profoundly upset. They leave him alone and at the end of the evening, offer him a place to sleep. Frank disappears in the night and they never see him again.
Then one Christmas Eve, many years later, George is working for a petroleum company and makes an emergency delivery to a house outside of his route. He spots Frank inside the house and the mystery of the hired man's life is revealed to him by Frank's granddaughter. The story has such a profound effect on George that it impacts his own troubled relationship with his Dad, and changes the trajectory of his family life.
This short book is a wonderful reminder of what is important in life. It's a sad and joyful tale of family life and highly recommended to all.
The story begins in the Depression years and young George is living with his family in a farm that is next door to his grandparents' farm. They all work together for family survival through hard times, and George and his father Morris both dote on George's grandfather, called Bah by the family. One summer day a stranger shows up looking for work. Since it is the Depression, there is plenty of work on the farm, but no money to pay anyone, but the stranger is willing to work for room and board, so he stays for the summer. He works until harvest time, and then disappears until the next spring. Frank, the 'hobo' doesn't talk much and they don't know anything about him except that he is a great worker.
Then one cold Christmas Eve when the family is gathered to celebrate, Frank unexpectedly shows up at the door. They give him shelter, but he doesn't want to engage in the festivities. In fact, he seems profoundly upset. They leave him alone and at the end of the evening, offer him a place to sleep. Frank disappears in the night and they never see him again.
Then one Christmas Eve, many years later, George is working for a petroleum company and makes an emergency delivery to a house outside of his route. He spots Frank inside the house and the mystery of the hired man's life is revealed to him by Frank's granddaughter. The story has such a profound effect on George that it impacts his own troubled relationship with his Dad, and changes the trajectory of his family life.
This short book is a wonderful reminder of what is important in life. It's a sad and joyful tale of family life and highly recommended to all.
December 28, 2020
I re-read this lovely book about fathers and sons every few years.
January 26, 2015
I enjoyed this short book (novella or short story in length) and its message of the importance of family and compassionate understanding rather than judging.
It is a brief memoir of some stories about the author’s stunted and strained father-son relationship juxtaposed with other very different stories about his loving and enjoyable grandfather-grandson relationship.
The author’s childhood took place on a family farm in upstate New York during the depression. Times were tough and money was tight. From a monetary perspective, life was very difficult for small family farmers. The author’s memories of joyous times spent with his grandparents, especially his grandfather, clearly illustrate that money isn’t necessary for shared love and happiness.
Unfortunately, the author’s memories of time spent with his father are fewer and nowhere near as joyful. His father was withdrawn and uncommunicative. His grandfather loved to tell stories. As a young boy, the author only knew how both made him feel. He was not aware or interested in why his father and grandfather were so different. It seems his father had a tough time communicating and showing his love and affection. Also his response to a difficult life with a number of unanticipated experiences with tough luck was to shut down his affectionate displays of emotion despite the love he felt inside. He showed his love by “doing” and “taking care of” not “talking.”
This Christmas memoir focuses on some specific events took place during several Christmas holidays, one when the author was still a boy, the other when the author had become an adult.
While the critical events happened during the holidays, this book would be a good, brief, uplifting read at any time of year. Its message of the importance of family and how grace, compassion and understanding for others, rather than judgment will resonate at any time of year. It is a short book and a powerful reminder, well worth reading whenever you might be feeling bitter about life’s experiences or down on your own luck or spending time around people who have a difficult time communicating how they “really feel.” A 5 star message in a 3 star novella. I’d rate it 3 1/2 stars if I had the option but am choosing to round up to 4 stars for the message.
It is a brief memoir of some stories about the author’s stunted and strained father-son relationship juxtaposed with other very different stories about his loving and enjoyable grandfather-grandson relationship.
The author’s childhood took place on a family farm in upstate New York during the depression. Times were tough and money was tight. From a monetary perspective, life was very difficult for small family farmers. The author’s memories of joyous times spent with his grandparents, especially his grandfather, clearly illustrate that money isn’t necessary for shared love and happiness.
Unfortunately, the author’s memories of time spent with his father are fewer and nowhere near as joyful. His father was withdrawn and uncommunicative. His grandfather loved to tell stories. As a young boy, the author only knew how both made him feel. He was not aware or interested in why his father and grandfather were so different. It seems his father had a tough time communicating and showing his love and affection. Also his response to a difficult life with a number of unanticipated experiences with tough luck was to shut down his affectionate displays of emotion despite the love he felt inside. He showed his love by “doing” and “taking care of” not “talking.”
This Christmas memoir focuses on some specific events took place during several Christmas holidays, one when the author was still a boy, the other when the author had become an adult.
While the critical events happened during the holidays, this book would be a good, brief, uplifting read at any time of year. Its message of the importance of family and how grace, compassion and understanding for others, rather than judgment will resonate at any time of year. It is a short book and a powerful reminder, well worth reading whenever you might be feeling bitter about life’s experiences or down on your own luck or spending time around people who have a difficult time communicating how they “really feel.” A 5 star message in a 3 star novella. I’d rate it 3 1/2 stars if I had the option but am choosing to round up to 4 stars for the message.
December 31, 2022
In this true story from the author's childhood, George Givens reflects on how a hired man who worked on his grandfather's farm when he was a child ended up making a provide impact on the relationship with his own father. Every summer, a mysterious man named Frank showed up to work on George's grandfather's farm and disappeared when the harvest was over. Until one Christmas Eve, when he shows up looking unbearably sad. He lives as mysteriously as he appears and is never seen again. Years later, when George is a young man, who learns of the fate of the hired man, and this discovery teaches him a searing lesson about the importance of family.
This was a heartwarming tale that can easily be mistaken for a novel. Told in simple but moving prose, this novel tells of a childhood in a simpler time and of a strained father son relationship that, while never perfect, is improved because of George's witnessing of the hired man's story. This was a very brief Christmas book, just over one hundred pages. I read it in two sittings. It is a simple story, with a simple message, and therein lies both its strength and its appeal.
This was a heartwarming tale that can easily be mistaken for a novel. Told in simple but moving prose, this novel tells of a childhood in a simpler time and of a strained father son relationship that, while never perfect, is improved because of George's witnessing of the hired man's story. This was a very brief Christmas book, just over one hundred pages. I read it in two sittings. It is a simple story, with a simple message, and therein lies both its strength and its appeal.
January 31, 2025
The Hired Man's Christmas was my last read of the year, a rec from 14yo Peaches. It's a charming little book that touches on the author's rural childhood and his familial relationships, mostly the relationships between the men in his family.
The "hired man" parts of the story relate to a mysterious, quiet stranger who shows up to work on the family farm one summer and comes back at the same time for several more years. It all ties together in the end.
I liked the way Givens wrote, folksy and earnest without being cloying. The Hired Man's Christmas isn't a book I'd normally choose for myself, but I thought it was sweet, and I'm glad Peaches recommended it.
(Note: It's been a year since Peaches gave this book to me—I wanted to save it for Xmas—and after I finished it, she told me she didn't want it back because "once you know the story there's no point in reading it again." Apple, tree, etc.)
The "hired man" parts of the story relate to a mysterious, quiet stranger who shows up to work on the family farm one summer and comes back at the same time for several more years. It all ties together in the end.
I liked the way Givens wrote, folksy and earnest without being cloying. The Hired Man's Christmas isn't a book I'd normally choose for myself, but I thought it was sweet, and I'm glad Peaches recommended it.
(Note: It's been a year since Peaches gave this book to me—I wanted to save it for Xmas—and after I finished it, she told me she didn't want it back because "once you know the story there's no point in reading it again." Apple, tree, etc.)
November 23, 2021
A timely story about forgiveness. We can truly never know what one has gone through and how that often times shapes the future. George is given a chance to attempt to mend his relationship with his father from a hobo named Frank. Funny how our eyes are opened to situations through someone else’s journey. Time is of the essence don’t put off repairing rocky relationships because you never know when it might be to late. Life lessons are abundant in this small but mighty book. It reminded me of A Christmas Memory. My heart ached and I became teary eyed several times and it gave me food for thought. The book was written many years ago but still relevant today.
November 1, 2017
I gave this book three out of four stars because it was an okay book. It had a good lesson and ending to it. But I think that the genre was not right for me. I am into more action box and mystery, this book just didn’t give me that. It was not a bot that I liked was super excited to read and wanted to read. But for some people it might be a really with a really great life lesson. It was just not for me and that’s why gave it three stars.
November 27, 2020
‘The Hired Man’s Christmas’ by George Givens is a very nice short book (about 100 pages) about fathers and sons. Its about love and forgiveness. You have two stories at work. There is Frank who helps on the farm (and is a mystery to everyone) and the story of George and his father
Based on the author’s childhood so it has a nice nostalgia feel to it. Plus its a Christmas story.
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
Based on the author’s childhood so it has a nice nostalgia feel to it. Plus its a Christmas story.
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
December 17, 2023
I loved this lovely story, based on true events in a young man's life. It felt very real as he learned about the importance of family and how love is shown in different ways.
I am adding this one to my list of Christmas favorites and will be rereading it through the coming years.
I am adding this one to my list of Christmas favorites and will be rereading it through the coming years.
May 20, 2017
A short but satisfying read. Left you with good feeling.
March 10, 2018
Heart warming!
December 16, 2018
Simply delightful. A warm Christmas read.
December 21, 2021
Tender simple story. Felt very preachy though as it urges everyone to buy into the religion of family above all.
January 1, 2022
This was a warm and thought provoking book about relationships between fathers and sons. Very worth reading.
December 26, 2022
Good short story to read at Christmas.
November 26, 2025
A very bittersweet book but a good read. How we see things as kids and how we change as adults. Basically love your family while you can.
December 22, 2011
This is a simple, short story of real love and selflessness. For some reason, it struck a chord with me. Maybe because of nostalgia for an old-fashioned farm with extended family always there. Maybe because none of the people are perfect or get along with each other perfectly. Or maybe because of the uplifting message in such a small package. Just right for reading during the busy December Christmas season.
December 25, 2015
What a beautiful book to read during the Christmas season. This is an old library book but the true reason for the season comes out so clearly. No matter where you live, this poignant Christmas story will help you remember the importance of forgiveness and family during this season.
This would be a great book to share with middle school or high school students, as well as adults. It's a quick and powerful read.
This would be a great book to share with middle school or high school students, as well as adults. It's a quick and powerful read.
January 9, 2013
This was a short quick read of 100 pages.
A true story about a boy growing up during the Depression and how a mystery about one of his grandfather's hired summer help was solved after the boy was an adult. The solution also changed the adult boy's life and his relationship with his own father.
A sweet story.
A true story about a boy growing up during the Depression and how a mystery about one of his grandfather's hired summer help was solved after the boy was an adult. The solution also changed the adult boy's life and his relationship with his own father.
A sweet story.
March 25, 2008
Another sweet Christmas story, perfect read for Christmas time, it made me think alot about a slower time when most poeple didn't really get a day off to celebrate.
April 17, 2008
This is a touching book about giving and the meaning of family and love. Tears are bound to flow with this book.
November 27, 2008
A short story to remind us that family, love, and forgiveness are all very important parts of life.
November 28, 2008
A short, sweet and tender story of love, acceptance, and forgiveness. I read this book in under an hour and was very warmed by it.
August 9, 2009
This is a nice Christmas story. It's a quick read but a good one.
November 30, 2009
Sweet, touching story about family, forgiveness, and Christmas. Takes hardly anytime at all to read. Thoroughly enjoyable.
December 12, 2010
This true story was a great reminder of what family should mean to us and how we should value those relationships. It was a great Christmas story.
January 4, 2011
This was a fun and easy Christmas read
June 8, 2012
True Story
December 7, 2012
Great, quick Christmas read. I would highly recommend this book !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews