The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle

by Joanne Huist Smith

Every day can be Christmas.

After the unexpected death of her husband, Joanne Huist Smith had no idea how she would keep herself together and be strong for her three children - especially with the holidays approaching. The cheerfulness of the season made her feel more alone than ever, no matter how much she wanted to reach out to her children and find some way to comfort them.

But thirteen days before Christmas, a poinsettia appeared on the Smiths’ doorstep. The next day, another gift arrived … then another, and another. Each present was accompanied by a note with lyrics to the carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” rewritten to fit the gift and and signed, “Your true friends.” Although Jo resisted the intrusion at first, the gifts began to work a kind of magic on her and the kids. As they puzzled over the mystery together – who were the true friends? when would the next delivery arrive? could anyone catch the gift givers in the act? – their grieving hearts began to heal.

The 13th Gift is a true story about the everyday miracles that can occur during the holiday season. It is a heartwarming reminder that with love, community, and family, even the most broken of hearts can be mended.

Joanne Huist Smith is an award-winning journalist for the Dayton Daily News where she chronicles the lives of people and issues shaping her Ohio community. She was awarded first place from the Ohio Associated Press for Best Community Service for her 2009 package of stories on heroin’s destructive path through rural and suburban neighbourhoods.

Genres: Christmas, Book Club, Nonfiction, Holiday, Memoir, Inspirational, Audiobook

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2014

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas is still over a month away, but I needed a “feel good” fix, and this one fit the bill nicely. The 13th Gift is actually a nonfiction story about a family falling apart after the husband/dad suddenly dies a couple of months before Christmas. The wife/mom/author Joanne Huist Smith is having a hard time gathering any Christmas spirit (or spirit for much of anything) as are her two sons, aged 12 and 17. Only her 10-year-old daughter Megan, mature for her years, wants to celebrate Christmas. Not until little gifts and notes set to the theme of The Twelve Days of Christmas began to show up on their doorstep do they begin to feel the possibility of healing. The last chapter, titled the 13th gift, is an epilogue written 15 years after that remarkable Christmas when the author is finally able to finish the story--a perfect ending.

This is a story of profound loss, grief, hopelessness, and family breakdown. It is also about love, hope, inspiration, and the rebuilding of family. Ultimately, this is a book about offering kindness and compassion to those who are hurting. There is so much potential for goodness in man. It is something we yearn to see this time of year, especially in the world we live in today. I highly recommend The 13th Gift.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hook - I try to read at least one new Christmas themed story each year. The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle, a memoir was popping up everywhere and somehow popped right into my hands.

The Line – ”We’re not falling apart; we’re just chipped a little bit.”
You will have to read the book to understand the relevance of this quote.

The Sinker – Such a perfect story for this time of year, The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle brings so many truths of the spirit of the season to mind and validates the goodness of man.

___________________________________________

The Smith family; Jo, Ben, Nick, and Megan have lost the glue that cements them. Their father, Rick dies just before Christmas in 1999. A special group of true friends parodies the words in the classic Christmas song The 12 Days of Christmas and secretly gifts the Smiths’ with presents each day. Nothing profound, but interesting presents beginning with a Poinsettia on the first day. A written card echoing the song accompanies each. Coming and going secretly the kindness of strangers give this grieving family a spark to light the holidays and a belief in the possibility that they can heal.

The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle, if not a true miracle is a heartfelt memoir which delivers in its spirit of the season. It is touching and confirms my belief in the goodness of people. The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle, joins my list of favorite Christmas Stories, one to be read and enjoyed again.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was 2 1/2 stars for me but in the Christmas spirit I bumped it up rather than down. If it weren't based on a true story, I'd have disliked it. I was impatient with the whole idea that a family who loses the dad 2 months before Christmas should get on with their grief and celebrate. Really? This family needed help! Also unexplained was how they were going to get by on one salary now with 3 kids. Not even the teenager had a job. The mom appeared to work part time and after generous donations of money from folks seemed to splurge it all on Christmas. Really? I have a well paying job but I would never go on that kind of shopping spree. Pretty unbelievable even though it all happened 15 years ago.

[Renata Annese · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book truly touched my heart and gently reminded me what the holiday season is meant to be about... kindness, compassion, and genuine human connection. 🎄✨

Life isn’t perfect, and this story beautifully shows that there will always be moments that challenge our plans or expectations. What matters most is how we respond, how we move forward, and how we show up for others along the way.

Both heartbreaking and healing... highlights how even the smallest acts of kindness can bring comfort, hope, and light to someone who may be struggling. It’s a powerful reminder that simply caring, being present, and offering kindness can make a bigger impact than we often realize. ❤️🎁

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir describes a family shocked and frozen at the death of their husband and father. Rick had died suddenly in October in his sleep of a heart condition and his family were not ready to face celebrating Christmas. The author Joanne, was not coping with her loss let alone coping with her childrens needs. They had all retreated into themselves and no one was talking about what had happened. Only the youngest child, Meghan wanted to put up a tree and decorations but Joanne couldn't find the energy to go and buy a tree and couldn't face doing any Christmas shopping. But something happens 12 days before Christmas - someone anonymous leaves a small gift on their doorstep.Gradually this leads to the family pulling itself back together to start rebuidling the future without Rick.

This truly is a remarkable story, in showing how simple small acts can make a difference to those who are grieving or suffering at Christmas. I enjoyed the aftermath of the story where Joanne talked about her efforts to find those responsible and discovered a long legacy of kindness.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magical read! A story that proves we can all recover from any loss, strengthened by the blessings of others.

[SheriC · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. Within about 5 minutes of listening to this audio, I could only wail Nooooooooooooooooooooo. I didn’t expect much from this one, so the bar was set pretty low. I expected a bit of light Christmas glurge, a memoir about a family dealing with the loss of a loved one, who found their Christmas spirit when their friends/neighbors/whatever got together to leave anonymous gifts to remind them of The Meaning of Christmas. Sounds like the perfect story to get you into the season, if you go into it without a cynical heart. I was even willing to overlook the amateur quality of the audio narration, because it’s a memoir read by the author. But I simply could not overlook its pushing my biggest button with respect to writing style, the dreaded First-Person-Present-Tense, further committing the egregious sin of mixing past tense inner monologue directly in with the present tense narration of story events. No. Nope. No way.

DNF at 5%. Ordinarily I wouldn’t rate a book after less than 20 minutes of audio time, but FPPT always gets a 1 star from me unless the writing and story are so fantastic that I don’t even notice it enough to be annoyed by it.

Audiobook, borrowed from my public library, read by the author.

I was attempting to read this for The 16 Tasks of The Festive Season, square 4: Book themes for Thanksgiving Day: Books with a theme of coming together to help a community or family in need. –OR– Books with a turkey or pumpkin on the cover. I don’t have any other books lined up for this task, so I might have to use my other Light Joker for it.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Christmas and this family is still reeling from grief. Joanne finds herself a young widow with three children now without the father they loved. For Joanne, it's an accomplishment if she gets her children to school, functions at work and gets a meal on the table each day. The idea of the holidays is overwhelming, but her children could use a dose of joy and normalcy. When gifts begin arriving on their porch with cards and notes mimicking the 12 days of Christmas, the family is drawn into the mystery of who might be their Secret Santa. The gifts are not expensive, but a reminder that someone cares. As the family looks forward to discover what next will arrive, they manage to instill a little holiday spirit into their own lives and the lives of others. A true story that reminds us we don't always have to do something extravagant to touch someone's life in a profound way.

[Lily Pis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avete presente quando all'inizio di un libro ancora dovete conoscere i personaggi, dovete immedesimarvi e "ambietarvi" alla storia? E arrivata a fine lettura avete dimenticato molti dettagli che c'erano all'inizio del libro? A me capita la maggior parte delle volte ma questa mi ha sconvolta. Solo alla fine del libro mi sono resa conto che era autobiografico! Gli autori spesso giocano sul finto autobiografico e pensavo che lo fosse anche questo. Immaginate quindi la mia sorpresa ai ringraziamenti. La storia già mi aveva toccato profondamente, scoprire che non fosse finzione mi h sconvolto ancora di più. Che altro dire se non leggetelo. Sono felicissima di aver deciso si leggerlo e soprattutto di concludere l'anno con esso.
La maggior parte di noi è segnato da un lutto profondo. Questo libro riapre e rimargina quella ferita con una dolcezza incredibile. Bellissimo.

[Maliha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming memoir that tells the story of a family’s struggle to cope with the loss of a loved one during the holiday season. The author, Joanne Huist Smith, writes with a simple yet effective style that perfectly captures the emotions of the characters. The book is divided into thirteen chapters, each representing a day leading up to Christmas, and the reader is taken through the development of emotions the family experienced during those thirteen life-changing days.

The book is a beautiful reminder of the miracles of Christmas and the gift of family during the holiday season. The heavy emotions throughout the book are lightened with pure moments of happiness. The heartfelt conversations with her children, learning to connect with each other, were emotional and well-written. There was real character development in Joanne and her children, as they let go of their grief and leaned on their gift givers to find hope.

Overall, “The 13th Gift” is an inspirational story about a family that learned to give as much as they received. I would recommend this heartfelt story to readers of any age. It is a gentle reminder to appreciate the Christmas season as a time for giving and caring.

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 13th Gift leaves you with a big lump in your throat and these words in your heart:


"I tell them one of the greatest gifts we all possess is the ability to give.....And, the Holidays are a perfect time to look outside of ourselves and be a true friend. A legacy of generosity can create memories that reverberate beyond the moment and outshine the brightest of heirloom ornaments."

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uno dei doni più grandi che tutti possediamo è la capacità di donare

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Christmas is harder than it used to be," she tells the dog.

I couldn't agree more, but keep my opinion to myself. I remind Megan not to open the door if she doesn't know who is standing on the other side of it. I don't like the idea of strangers skulking around the house when I'm not home, although I am begrudgingly grateful that I don't have to make an extra stop to get Christmas wrapping paper now for Megan's teacher's gift.

"They're not strangers," Megan says. "They're our true friends."

Identifying the culprits moves to the top of my Christmas list.

One of my favorite Gary Larsen Far Side panels depicts two gorillas lounging while eating bananas. One turns to the other and says, "You know, Sid, I really like bananas...I mean, I know that's not profound or nothin'....Heck! We all do...But for me, I think it goes far beyond that." This captures how Joanne Huist Smith feels about her grief during the holiday season in her memoire The 13th Gift: Sure, other people grieve for deceased loved ones during the Christmas season, but, for Joanne, "it goes far beyond that." Her transition from grief to accepted joy requires the agency of "true friends" who sneak onto her porch at night and leave cheap gifts on her doorstep. Of course, it's the thought that counts, it's the manifestation that the true spirit of Christmas is in giving. Oh, I get the message loud and clear, Joanne. I bear the message no ill-will; it's the messenger I find unsettling.

This short book is an bewildering case-study of how some people believe they are the central character in all narratives. Wherever Joanne goes, people stop to talk to her, stop leading their dreary existences and spout platitudes and wisdom so that Joanne can continue her day with a hint of mist in her eyes or a spark of warmth in her heart. Her interactions with shopping clerks at discount stores is most fantastical--even in the busiest of shopping seasons they notice Joanne, they speak to Joanne, they follow Joanne. When Joanne wants furniture delivered Christmas Eve and the furniture guy says sorry, he's completely booked, people with names like "the lady with the Master Card" gather in a pack and threaten the owner with economic blackmail until he relents. But not until after he tells a crowd of complete strangers that's he's distraught because he never had time to buy his daughter a special edition Barbie because he's working so hard. Dammit, Owner, stop boo hooing and acknowledge that Joanne is struggling and give her what she wants. Everybody else does. What makes you think you're so special, anyway? Is this your story? No, it's not. So shut the fuck up and drive your sorry ass on Christmas Eve so Joanne can come through for her kids.

Complete strangers are aware of Joanne's plight and leave gifts and messages. This is the main drive of the book, how Joanne's parenting was going down the tube after her perfect husband (and don't get me started on how perfect the dead spouse was--geeze: he embodied every husband/dad stereotype imaginable and, evidently, never did one damn thing wrong except die) passed away, but these mysterious gifts bring the spirit of tinsel and twinkling lights back into her life. She spends an inordinate time trying to "catch" these gift givers. I won't spoil the ending, but suffice to say if I was Joanne's relative or friend, I would be offended by this book. The recognition of support from people who love and support you? There's no glory in that story. But that complete strangers understand your grief so well that they can transform your world with a few purchases from Dollar Tree? Find me a publisher!

I know I'm wrong for these opinions, wrong because I refuse to be Joanne's cheerleader. What bothers me about this book is its depiction of how Joanne finds that her children, her family, and complete strangers help her cope with the loss of her spouse because they all notice her, study her, understand her. But what about people who no one notices suffering? I suppose they could read this book and think, "Well, good thing Joanne didn't experience anonymity and apathy in any crowd."

[Silvia Devitofrancesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanne è una giovane vedova che non ha ancora superato il trauma provocato dall’improvvisa morte dell’adorato marito Rick. La famiglia è in balia di se stessa e la giovane madre non riesce a badare ai tre figli. A tutto questo trambusto si unisce il Natale imminente e il desiderio della piccola Megan di abbobbare la casa, decorare l’abete e preparare il cenone. Il 13 dicembre dietro la loro porta compare una stella di Natale e un biglietto firmato “i vostri veri amici”. La reazione di Joanne è terribile… I giorni passano e i regali continuano a essere recapitati. Uno a giorno per coprire i tredici giorni d’attesa natalizia. Si tratta di piccoli pensierini a tema natalizio ma sulla famgilia hanno un effetto incredibile. Ognuno reagisce, lotta per superare il dolore e per guardare avanti, forte dell’appoggio di questi eroi. Tra il dolore e le lacrime appaiono i sorrisi e soprattutto una nuova consapevolezza che ha il sapore della rinascita, poiché anche se nel cuore resta il dolore, si può essere felici.

“Uno dei doni più grandi che tutti possediamo è la capacità di donare. Non serve essere facoltosi. La compassione e un cuore buono sono tutto ciò che serve. Quale modo migliore per onorare i nostri cari, anche quelli che non ci sono più, di aprirsi e cambiare una vita per il meglio? E le feste sono un momento ideale per guardare fuori da noi stessi, per essere veri amici. Una tradizione di generosità può creare ricordi che vanno oltre il momento contingente e che luccicano più di qualsiasi decorazione.”

“Il tredicesimo dono” è un libro che entra nel cuore. Sviluppa una tematica forte e apparentemente in antitesi con la leggerezza del clima natalizio, tuttavia Natale è anche questo. Non sono solo regali, luci, alberi addobbati ma anche dolore e sofferenza quando si prende coscienza del fatto che una persona cara non può sedersi attorno al tavolo la sera della vigilia.

Joanne è una donna da ammirare. Distrutta, ella reagisce, per il bene dei figli, certo, ma anche per il proprio. Al pianto segue il sorriso, al dolore un barlume di speranza. Joanne, ovviamente, non dimentica Rick, anzi. Quei toccanti ricordi dei momenti trascorsi insieme che all’inzio della narrazione erano per lei causa di atroci sofferenze diventano ora spunti per ripartire, trampolini di lancio verso la serenità.

Il messaggio di fondo del libro è proprio questo: avere speranza. Joanne e i suoi figli non demordono, si affidano all’affetto di persona sconosciute e al calore della famiglia per farsi forza.

L’autrice si serve di uno stile semplice ma efficace. Il periodare è sciolto, la narrazione è intervallata da numerosi dialoghi e il ritmo è incalzante, capace di tenere il lettore col fiato sospeso.

Il lettore non può fare a meno di commuoversi e nella commozione riflettere. E’ un invito a non mollare mai, a non credere che col lutto sia tutto finito e ad avere fiducia in quanti ci sono attorno.

“Il tredicesimo dono” è, indubbiamente, un libro che lascia il segno. Come già detto, non si tratta del tipico romanzo d’evasione da leggere sdraiati sul divano dopo una giornata di shopping pre – natalizio ma è una sorta di manuale di sopravvivenza, una lezione di vita, una guida nei momenti bui.

[Shannon A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review: http://leaninglights.weebly.com/home/...
First impressions:
This book is beautiful. It is the perfect story to pick up this time of year. It's the story of great loss, darkness and eventually hope. I needed to hear it and I'm so glad I picked it up. Kindness and compassion are what the Christmas season is about and this true story about a grieving family is a wonderful reminder of that. I highly recommend!

[Sharon Huether · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this free book from Goodreads first reads. A true story of a family after the loss of husband and father. They were inspired by the kindness of strangers and friends, following their loss. They followed the tradition that was gifted to them. A wonderful true story of Christmas.

[Marci Wallace · Rating 1 out of 5]

This true story is sweet but the writing is elementary. It was also far too drawn out. Not even substance for a full book. Would have made a sweet article in a magazine or something. I couldn’t wait to be done with it so I could move on to something else 🙈

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story and quite inspiring and touching.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you keep putting one foot in front of the other when the rock of your family has passed away and Christmas is around the corner? Days seem dreary and energy is lacking for Joann and her kids. Their grief is pulling them under and they can't seem to find a way back. Joann wants to just forget about the holidays but the youngest, Megan, seems determined to have a Christmas tree in their house.

On the run to try and get to school on time one morning, they discover a poinsettia plant on their front porch. Along with the plant is a card. The card has a revamped verse for the Twelve Days of Christmas. Angry at everything, Joann just wants to throw it away but Megan saves it and encourages her mom to keep it. The next day, another gift arrrives. They all soon become wrapped up in the gifts that arrive each day and whether they will be able to solve the mystery of who is sending them and how they do it without being detected.

This true story is heartwarming and shows how people can do small acts of kindness that can mean much more than they can imagine to the recepients.

[Linn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time rating this book, because in all honesty, it wasn't my favorite as far as writing, but in the end, the lesson was beautiful and powerful to me. I ended up going with the lesson on this one.

[✨Susan✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very heart wrenching book based on a true story of love, loss and a journey of the heart.

[Marci Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!!

[Abi Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of true stories, and this one did not disappoint. Every night I would read a chapter of The 13th Gift. Though I wanted to read further, I closed the book and placed it on my bedside table. I wanted to experience each day with the Smith family while they coped with the sudden loss of a family member. Each day brought a new surprise for the Smith's. I enjoyed the slow shifting from blanketing grief and the dread of another day, to anticipation curiosity and the true spirit of Christmas.

I ached for this family, sometimes to the point of a huge lump in my throat. I couldn't imagine my children growing up without their father, or I without a husband to help me raise our family.

The fact the Smith's lost their father/husband shortly before Christmas—a holiday meant to share in so many ways—made it that much harder to deal with—especially for the mother ( and author), Joanne.

The healing throughout the book, of both Joanne and her three children is touching. The story brings a whole new meaning to the concept of Secret Santa and paying it forward.

I highly recommend this holiday read.


Disclosure of Material Connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: BloggingForBooks has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

[Cecilia · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a member of a local book club, I read this book because it was chosen for the group. A warm and fuzzy true story about the kindness people are capable of and how their small gifts give a family who has lost their husband and dad only two months before Christmas a way to start to heal.

Mom Jo is a journalist, sons Ben 17, Nick about 12 and Megan 10 are struggling each in their own way with the sudden death of their the man of the family. A friend of a friend mentions this to a couple who have made it their mission to secretly drop off small gifts to families going through difficult times. At first Jo and her family are suspicious and then they get curious. The gifts keep coming, things like a bag of bows, wrapping paper, and plastic cups keep appearing and try as the family individuals might, they can't catch the giver.

I found it strange that Jo withdrew and isolated herself when she had lots of family and close friends that she could look to for support. Her anger and distancing behavior particularly from her children seemed selfish. I was left to wonder if not for the happenstance of a mystery gift giver, what would have happened to the family; hardly good parenting behavior. On the other hand, most of us have lost a deeply loved family member or friend and we all deal with grief individually.

[Nancy Steinle gummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle by Joanne Huist Smith is a first reads win and I am giving my honest review. Death occurs everyday of the year. When a loved one dies around the holidays it makes you fees worse. Joannes husband was sick and planned to go into the hospital right after the holidays. He didn't want to disrupt the holidays for his wife and 3 kids, Ben 17,Nick 12 and Megan, the youngest at 10. He never made it, Joanne found him dead in the morning. Another year has turned around and Joanne can't keep his memories from crowding out. Megan tries to be Santa. Nothing is working. Then one day Megan carries in a poinsettias plant with a card attached saying on the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me one poinsettia plant for you. Then each day they received an additional gift. At first they were skeptical. Then they went out and got a tree. As the days merged something happened to this family.

[Valery Tikappa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stupendo. Non ci sono altre parole per descrivere un libro del genere!
La storia è reale, autobiografica dell'autrice. Lei e i suoi figli hanno perso una persona importantissima, un marito, un padre. Devono tentare di andare avanti ma si rendono conto che non ci riescono e allora anche il Natale perde ogni attrattiva. Finchè qualcuno non gli fará cambiare idea..
E io ho amato ogni singola parola di questo splendido libro. Mi ha spezzato il cuore in vari modi, ma lo ritengo uno di quei capolavori che vanno letti una volta nella vita.
Insegna tanto, soprattutto perchè è autobiografico.
Leggetelo e amatelo.

[Joseph Sciuto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Out of the four holiday books I have read this season this is my favorite. "The 13th Gift" written by Joanne Huist Smith, a reporter for The Dayton Daily News, is a true story about a family battling to survive after losing their dad and her husband a couple of months before Christmas. It deals with the grief they feel and how they are able to get over it and celebrate the season, without ever forgetting about the lost loved one. A truly wonderful piece of writing. 

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing read for the holidays. Sad to start, this book will have you truly feeling the spirit of the holidays by the end! Since I'm from Ohio, I also love that this is a true story set in Dayton, Ohio. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a book to put them in the Christmas spirit and inspire holiday giving!

[Trisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Help comes in all kinds of packages, Jo. Don't worry about who delivers it. Just accept."

I listened to this on a plane flight to see my family for Christmas. It was just the right atmosphere and story to get me into the mood to see everyone. It did feel, a few times, a bit preachy but I loved the message and I really liked getting to know the family. I like that the Jo, the MC, wrote it but also narrated it. I won't say she was the best narrator but I think there is a certain wonder to a book that is read by it's author - so you feel like it is the tone and feel exactly as the author intended. I also really like how Jo didn't hold any punches and really gave the honest truth about where her family was, how the grieving process is and how unsettled and yet determined she was to discover her secret deliverer. I liked this one. Cute and a great message.

[Mandygirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐️