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Seven Stories of Christmas Love
This holiday classic contains personal stories based on Christmas memories. Five of the stories appeared originally in Woman's Day magazine, which initiated a tradition of printing an annual Buscaglia Christmas story during most of the 1980s.
In his warm, humorous way, Dr. Buscaglia shares seven holiday episodes from his life, including his hilarious adventure in producing a school Christmas pageant with second-graders as well as the poignant insights that came from spending Christmas in a hospital, recovering from heart surgery. He tells how each event reinforced his belief in the value of caring and love.
Leo also reminds us that Christmas can last more than one day-that the spirit and magic of the season can thrive all the time. Peace, joy, and goodwill are not seasonal; they are life-sustaining, life-enhancing, hopeful words that should be spoken, sung, and practiced all the months of the year.
Seven Stories of Christmas Love is Leo's Christmas gift to his friends and admirers.
"This book is a Christmas sharing. There are no villains mentioned here, no hard hearts, no skeptics. I have left this for others to write. This short work is for those who have no trouble accepting miracles, who don’t require explanations, who still believe in love, generosity, devotion, goodness, and the wonder of life.”
-Leo Buscaglia, PhD, from the Introduction
112 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1987
11 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Leo F. Buscaglia
73 books713 followersknown as "Dr. Love"
Dr. Felice Leonardo Buscaglia Ph.D. was a professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Southern California. He was a graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School (Los Angeles).
Leo Buscaglia authored a number of New York Times bestselling inspirational books on love and human reticences on the subject, including The Fall of Freddie the Leaf, Bus 9 to Paradise, Living Loving and Learning, Love and My Father. In lectures he often protested, in outrage at the comparative absence of writings on the subject, "I got the copyright for love!!!"
Dr. Felice Leonardo Buscaglia Ph.D. was a professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Southern California. He was a graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School (Los Angeles).
Leo Buscaglia authored a number of New York Times bestselling inspirational books on love and human reticences on the subject, including The Fall of Freddie the Leaf, Bus 9 to Paradise, Living Loving and Learning, Love and My Father. In lectures he often protested, in outrage at the comparative absence of writings on the subject, "I got the copyright for love!!!"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 31, 2017
This book features the following short stories about the author's Christmas memories:
A Christmas Morning Memory - A story about Leo's poor Italian immigrant family and a lesson in forgiveness and love.
Two Festivals of Light - Leo and his family share Christmas dinner with their new Jewish neighbors.
A Gift of Ravioli - When Leo was a boy, he had a crush on the public librarian. He only had some of his mother's homemade ravioli to give her at Christmas, but that was enough.
The Christmas Story According to Big Matthew - A humorous story about Leo directing the Christmas pageant when he was a young elementary school teacher.
A Santa Suit Does Not a Santa Claus Make - Leo is recruited to be the school Santa Claus when the school custodian fell ill.
No Room at the Inn - Leo shares the Christmas story during a magical trip to Bali on Christmas Eve.
The Christmas That Almost Wasn't - Leo finds himself in the hospital recovering from a heart attack and quintuple heart bypass surgery on Christmas day, 1992. This does not stop him from spreading love to fellow members of the "Open Heart Club."
I remember watching Dr. Leo Buscaglia on PBS and reading his books in the 1980s. When I saw this book at the library sale, I was immediately drawn to it. This little book does an amazing job defining the true meaning of Christmas. The author tells how each of the Christmas memories he shared in this book reinforced his beliefs in the value of caring and love.
I can't choose a favorite story from this book...I loved them all. The illustrations are lovely and add value to the stories.
The spirit of Christmas is love. Each of the seven stories in this book emphasized the importance of family, friendship, caring, sharing and love. "Dr. Love" was a great inspiration to all who heard him speak and read his books.
I highly recommend this book to older children and adults.
It is a short book that packs a mighty punch. You will want to read it each year to remind you of the true meaning of the season.
A Christmas Morning Memory - A story about Leo's poor Italian immigrant family and a lesson in forgiveness and love.
Two Festivals of Light - Leo and his family share Christmas dinner with their new Jewish neighbors.
A Gift of Ravioli - When Leo was a boy, he had a crush on the public librarian. He only had some of his mother's homemade ravioli to give her at Christmas, but that was enough.
The Christmas Story According to Big Matthew - A humorous story about Leo directing the Christmas pageant when he was a young elementary school teacher.
A Santa Suit Does Not a Santa Claus Make - Leo is recruited to be the school Santa Claus when the school custodian fell ill.
No Room at the Inn - Leo shares the Christmas story during a magical trip to Bali on Christmas Eve.
The Christmas That Almost Wasn't - Leo finds himself in the hospital recovering from a heart attack and quintuple heart bypass surgery on Christmas day, 1992. This does not stop him from spreading love to fellow members of the "Open Heart Club."
I remember watching Dr. Leo Buscaglia on PBS and reading his books in the 1980s. When I saw this book at the library sale, I was immediately drawn to it. This little book does an amazing job defining the true meaning of Christmas. The author tells how each of the Christmas memories he shared in this book reinforced his beliefs in the value of caring and love.
I can't choose a favorite story from this book...I loved them all. The illustrations are lovely and add value to the stories.
The spirit of Christmas is love. Each of the seven stories in this book emphasized the importance of family, friendship, caring, sharing and love. "Dr. Love" was a great inspiration to all who heard him speak and read his books.
I highly recommend this book to older children and adults.
It is a short book that packs a mighty punch. You will want to read it each year to remind you of the true meaning of the season.
December 14, 2025
This was a gift last year that I always meant to read. I'm glad I inadvertently saved it for the 2025 holiday season. Buscaglia shares holiday themed stories from his memories of Christmases past. Quick read. Comforting read. Perfect for what I needed right now.
Read
July 3, 2025I loved one or two of the stories, I liked a couple more, and a few fell flat for me. It is a short book, worth reading, and odds are out of 7 stories a reader will walk away with something they liked!
December 29, 2023
Love all my Christmas books and reread so many of them each year. Looks like I never had this one listed though have read for many years.
Reread 2023 as I only read Christmas books from Thanksgiving through Christmas
Gifted a copy I gave my Mom in 1988 from her seventh grandchild to my daughter, that 7th grandchild, 35 years years later.
Reread 2023 as I only read Christmas books from Thanksgiving through Christmas
Gifted a copy I gave my Mom in 1988 from her seventh grandchild to my daughter, that 7th grandchild, 35 years years later.
Read
January 5, 2016All 7 were pretty good.
December 27, 2025
I found this book at my brother's this 2025 Christmas morning. It had a Sentinel Star April 20, 1980 article in it about Leo Buscaglia as he had recently visited UCF and done a presentation. He had also met with a smaller group of people of whom I was one of them. I was just finishing my Master's degree in Clinical Psychology at UCF and was working in the drug Rehab profession. I had used much of his work in the parent and teacher training workshops that I led to help parents and teachers better help their children who were acting out at home and at school. I remember being so excited to be in his presence. I suspect I probably gave this book to my Mom at the time and when she passed, I suspect my brother took it home with him. Buscaglia was a professor at USC in California and taught a course called LOVE. He wrote a book with the same title. I still have a copy of that book on my bookshelf. This book brought back so many wonderful memories of my first profession as a mental health professional and psychologist. One chapter was particularly meaningful to me "No Room at the Inn." He was visiting a remote Balinese village and was explaining to one of the young villagers the meaning of Christmas. This villager had never heard of Christmas. At one point the Chief of the village was explaining to Leo that the village hadn't changed much. They lived a simple life which was sustained by visiting tourists. The villagers were painters and dancers and wood carvers. They had modified some of their painting to suit the tastes of the tourists. He said they had to some extent compromised with the rest of the world in order for the village to be able to eat, sleep, and live as they pleased. He went on to say "We are a superstitious people. We are affectionate without being passionate. We are strong, without forgetting how to be dependent. We are proud without losing sight of the strength in being humble." The other stories in this book are Leo telling of his various Christmas experiences and what he learned from them. His writings at the time had a profound influence on me both personally and professionally and it was such a joy to find this book at this time of year. I read it in one sitting.
November 29, 2021
At 110 pages this was a fun little book. I read it in one sitting the day after Thanksgiving. In this book Leo Buscaglia recounts seven memorable Christmases. The first three are when he was a child and the rest are as an adult. The last one was 1982 when he was in the hospital with a heart attack, although he lived several years after that.
In the first story, he was 7 years old with several siblings in a poor Italian Catholic family. He describes himself as being the worst behaved of the children in his family. It seems to me that famous people often describe themselves as not being well-behaved as children.
A few years ago I bought several small books with Christmas on the cover to use as part of my holiday decorations. As I was getting out Christmas decorations this year, I realized that I had never read some of the books and decided to read this one.
This book appealed to me because I had met the author. In the 1970's and early '80's, I was working in administration at a technical college in Wisconsin. Our District Director wrote grants to get funding for us to invite local high school vocational teachers to our campus for dinner and a presentation on various topics. Dr. Buscaglia had written several books and was a well-known speaker who also had the title "Dr. Love." He was one of the speakers we invited and I had an opportunity to meet him. I remember him as being very personable and his presentation was very well received.
This was a good read to get into the holiday spirit.
In the first story, he was 7 years old with several siblings in a poor Italian Catholic family. He describes himself as being the worst behaved of the children in his family. It seems to me that famous people often describe themselves as not being well-behaved as children.
A few years ago I bought several small books with Christmas on the cover to use as part of my holiday decorations. As I was getting out Christmas decorations this year, I realized that I had never read some of the books and decided to read this one.
This book appealed to me because I had met the author. In the 1970's and early '80's, I was working in administration at a technical college in Wisconsin. Our District Director wrote grants to get funding for us to invite local high school vocational teachers to our campus for dinner and a presentation on various topics. Dr. Buscaglia had written several books and was a well-known speaker who also had the title "Dr. Love." He was one of the speakers we invited and I had an opportunity to meet him. I remember him as being very personable and his presentation was very well received.
This was a good read to get into the holiday spirit.
December 23, 2023
It was a wonderful holiday treat for me to read Seven Stories of Christmas Love by Leo Buscaglia. The book includes seven episodes from the author's life; each event reinforced his belief in the value of caring and love. In the story "Two Festivals of Light" he remembers the Jewish Rabbi and his family who moved into their neighborhood and the never-ending friends they became with the Catholic-Italian Buscaglia's. Buscaglia wrote "Beautiful memories recalled have a way of re-creating the original glow and warmth surrounding them. I feel them still, writing these thoughts, even after
fifty years, I can settle back and yield to the feeling of love we radiated during that holiday, a love that will never die as long as there is one of us to remember."
fifty years, I can settle back and yield to the feeling of love we radiated during that holiday, a love that will never die as long as there is one of us to remember."
November 23, 2018
I was introduced to the writings of Leo Buscaglia in graduate school when I was studying for my masters in Education degree. His thoughts on love still come across in my mind. These Christmas stories are a glimpse of his memories of his Christmases past. Leo remembered the simple times of family and food, celebrating holidays with a Jewish neighbor, a favorite librarian, putting on a Christmas play with second graders, playing Santa Claus, a Christmas trip to Bali, and when he was in the hospital during Christmas. Well told and evoke special times.
January 30, 2019
I gave this book to my parents many years ago. (Let's see, it was published in 1987, so it may have been thirty years ago.) And I snagged it back from them a few years ago because I wanted to read it. Well, I finally did, and I am going to add some of the stories into my Christmas reading aloud rotation. My favorites are: "The Christmas Story According to Big Matthew" and "No Room At the Inn."
I had to look it up. Leo Buscalia, the Love professor at USC, died in 1998 of a heart attack, which, of course, is ironic.
I had to look it up. Leo Buscalia, the Love professor at USC, died in 1998 of a heart attack, which, of course, is ironic.
June 6, 2020
A small collection of the author's recollections of different Christmases. As promised in the
forward, all upbeat and positive.
One when he was a child tells of his family inviting the new neighbors to Christmas not
realizing they were Jewish.
Another, when the author was a teacher, he is chosen to direct the Christmas pageant,
he is appalled when Joseph make an adlib. However it was accepted by the audience.
Even one when he is hospitalized over Christmas manages to have some positive results.
forward, all upbeat and positive.
One when he was a child tells of his family inviting the new neighbors to Christmas not
realizing they were Jewish.
Another, when the author was a teacher, he is chosen to direct the Christmas pageant,
he is appalled when Joseph make an adlib. However it was accepted by the audience.
Even one when he is hospitalized over Christmas manages to have some positive results.
December 26, 2023
4 stars -- A collection of seven of the author's memorable Christmases, these stories tell of the author's life and make Christmas universal. "A Christmas Morning Memory" - 4 "Two Festivals of Light" - 5 "A Gift of Ravioli" - 3 "The Christmas Story According to Big Matthew" - 5+ "A Santa Suit Does Not a Santa Claus Make" - 4 "No Room at the Inn" - 3 "A Christmas That Almost Wasn't" - 4 Big Matthew's story is absolutely hilarious, and I related to it on multiple levels. The other stories are heartwarming, all in their own way.
September 1, 2021
I've loved Leo's philosophy on life since I was in university.. that's been a bit. It's wonderful to read one of his earlier works (for me, at least) and observe how he is the same in many ways. He is positive, optimistic, direct, honest and always thinking about how to help others feel happier. This is a charming wee book with lots in it to make you think. As it's small, its real weight is deceiving.
November 17, 2022
A collection of short biographical stories, this was a quick read. I have not read anything by this author before and with a quick Google search found out he was a professor here is California. Knowing these past Christmases shared are all from his life make this little book mean more. My favorite one is him being Santa as a teacher. It was a nice read, but one I will give away. I don't see myself reading this one again.
December 13, 2019
For those of us who are old enough to remember Leo Buscaglia, we are moved to reflect on 'love' for our fellow humans. Like artist Bob Ross and "Mr." Fred Rogers, Buscaglia taught us something new and delivered messages with kindness, warming our hearts. This short book is not deep, but a pleasant heart tug to recall hope for our fellow beings, needed now more than ever.
December 23, 2020
I miss Leo
This is a fine collection of personal experiences of Leo Bus Anglia, with various ideas and locations, all with the sense of love, which is his signature. The places include Bali - where they cut a banana plant into the shape of a pine tree to serve as his Christmas tree.
He ends with a wish we could celebrate the joy of Christmas all days.
This is a fine collection of personal experiences of Leo Bus Anglia, with various ideas and locations, all with the sense of love, which is his signature. The places include Bali - where they cut a banana plant into the shape of a pine tree to serve as his Christmas tree.
He ends with a wish we could celebrate the joy of Christmas all days.
December 21, 2022
This short story collection by Leo Buscaglia was not as inspiring as some of the other books of his that I have read--albeit a long time ago. I thought that reading about some of his past Christmas joys would be fun to read. The stories were well written but lacked the passion I loved in his other books.
Want to read
August 18, 2023Gift from Ro:
Marilyn,
I purchased this beautiful book for you last Christmas but didn’t read it until a few days ago. I’m sure you’ve already read these enchantingly sweet stories, but I wanted to share them with you now.
Several stories brought tears to my eyes.
I love you and wish you a blessed holiday.
I am with you in spirit as you read.
Love,
Ro
I miss you!
2020
Marilyn,
I purchased this beautiful book for you last Christmas but didn’t read it until a few days ago. I’m sure you’ve already read these enchantingly sweet stories, but I wanted to share them with you now.
Several stories brought tears to my eyes.
I love you and wish you a blessed holiday.
I am with you in spirit as you read.
Love,
Ro
I miss you!
2020
December 21, 2017
This is another old book; this one I REread this season. Each story is so touching and inspiring. I am finding that returning to books I've had for decades and reading or rereading them is a wonderful way to "get in the spirit." Of course, now that I'm retired, I have the time to do so.
December 20, 2019
Well.... What can I say? I love Leo as a human being and a storyteller.
I really enjoyed this little book. It moved me and made me laugh. I felt like Leo was giving me one of his famous hugs through this book. I loved it!
I really enjoyed this little book. It moved me and made me laugh. I felt like Leo was giving me one of his famous hugs through this book. I loved it!
December 10, 2021
Seven Christmas truffles for the mind to unwrap and savour. The stories are charming and full of love for his family, his friends, and all people. An easy to read delight to contribute to the spirit of Christmas in your life.
December 17, 2021
Entertaining and heart felt insights into the Arthurs Christmas experiences. Short, brief, but enjoyable. Have read previously during Christmas season. Today sending to Boyd & Julie for their Christmas reading.
November 24, 2022
I loved this small, easy-to-read book. I love all Christmas books that are about family, love, and cherished memories and this book have it all!! An Italian man, Leo Buscaglia, demonstrates his family life through seven stories that captivate the reader.
August 7, 2025
Seven short, positive and uplifting stories from Buscaglia's own past, some humorous, some touching, all focused on love as a way of being, as a way of living, at Christmas time and all through the year.
October 13, 2025
Wow! I'd have to go back to confirm, but I'm going out on a limb and guessing this may be the first book of short stories that I LOVED EVERY LAST ONE!
Great great great!
And the illustrations are amazing! So 1980s!!
Great great great!
And the illustrations are amazing! So 1980s!!
December 22, 2017
A collection of 7 heartwarming Christmas stories!
January 28, 2018
Lovely, simple inspiring memories!
November 19, 2019
An enjoyable read to start the season with. It is an easy seven stories that are touching.
December 14, 2019
One of my all time favorite books. Leo Buscaglia captures the heart and beauty of love, family and faith in each of these stories. I read it every Christmas.
December 15, 2019
Loved the stories..& the illustrations for each story🎄
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews