Socks for Christmas: A Child's Discovery of the True Meaning of Christmas

by Andy Andrews

This touching, funny, heartwarming and true story will become an instant Christmas Classic. In the late sixties, New York Times bestselling author Andy Andrews thought he was having a very good Christmas. He got the Incredible Edible Machine and the G.I. Joe he asked for. He even got a white belt. He also got socks from his Aunt Jane--unarguably a very lousy Christmas gift. How could he know that those lousy socks would change Christmas and him forever. Includes a CD with the author's performance of Socks.

Genres: Christmas, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Christian, Holiday

72 pages, Hardcover

First published September 29, 2005

About the author

~ Hailed by a New York Times writer as a "modern-day Will Rogers who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America."

~ Spoken at the request of four different U.S. Presidents

~ Every single minute a book by Andy Andrews is sold somewhere in the world!

~ New York Times Bestselling Author of The Noticer and The Traveler's Gift

Source:
http://www.andyandrews.com/

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

An extremely short story that captures the making of Christmas and those last hours before Santa arrives. Seems to be written more for an adult than a child, and perhaps to be marketed as a novelty item to pair with a gift of socks.

I enjoyed the nostalgic photos, and the memories they brought to the forefront of my mind. The story could have been expanded upon to better show kindness and compassion, but the lesson was clearly powerful enough to impact the author, and may also do the same for someone today.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing. The lesson this kid was taught is that some kids come from wealthy families, some from middle class families, and some from poor families - and kids from poor families don't get as many gifts. So, be thankful that you come from a family that can afford to give you some gifts. The parents shed a tear for the needy kids, but they don't teach their kids how they can help those who come from poorer families. Why wasn't the lesson to give some of the socks to the kids with no socks? Skip this and read "An Orange for Frankie" by Patricia Polacco for a truly heart-warming story that teaches a wonderful lesson.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may have to start adding socks to my Christmas list.

[Elaine Trevithick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Socks for christmas

Very touching story need a hard copy of it though to give as gifts w a pair of socks. Amen

[Linda Lipko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grab a cup of mulled cider and a Christmas cookie sprinkled with colored sugar and sit back prepared to enjoy this small gem of a Christmas tale.

Andy Andrews elicits memories of Christmas past where candy land games, red rider wagons and rock em sock em robots were the gifts children hoped would be under the tree.

When Andy receives socks from his Aunt, he quickly throws them aside. Later that day when roaming the neighborhood to see what others received, he learns a very valuable lesson about the haves and the have nots.

Suddenly, the socks possess more meaning than he expected.

[Joy E. Rancatore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy Andrews' conversational tone and storytelling nature make this a delightful read any time of year. Be warned—tissues not included.

For my family, this has become a newer Christmas tradition. My sister introduced us to this book in 2016. Now we read this on Christmas Eve night before my kids open their own little gifts ... of socks.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen with your children as it shows them not all children have a tree filled with gifts on Christmas morning. I listened to the book on CD in the car and all the kids listened with interest. Andy Andrews is a great speaker and narrator for his books.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in this era and enjoyed the memories so much. Helps us remember that not all are as fortunate as we are. Made me appreciate the socks I got this year soooo much.

[Jean Chalupsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought 20 copies...bought 20 pairs of socks...Happy Christmas! Amazing book!

[Valarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have read this several times and always enjoy it. It’s easy to get wrapped up the excitement of the season as a kid, how this kid learned the truth about Santa is something he clearly will never forget. Loved how he shared his experience with simple humor and nostalgia.

[Nicky Billou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartwarming tale reminded me about the importance of service above self. Some mornings, I have gotten too caught up in self pity and forgotten that many people are suffering and I can help them. Thanks, Andy!

[Reading Fury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving it 5 stars for the photos alone. Total trip down memory lane!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for all ages.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple story I got for Christmas as I typically get a fun pair of socks. Was a touching story and an easy read

[Alyssa]

Has the shock factor.

[Jennybug · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved The pictures. This is a good book to read to older children. It is a tender reminder that some children do not get what they want for Christmas, rather what they need. It would be fun to read this to older children and then do some kind of a service project.

[Janet C-B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short Christmas story with some vintage photos and illustrations of toys from the past. The story is told from the perspective of a seven year old boy. The message is applicable for older children, teens and adults. 4stars.

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not nearly as much substance as I would have liked.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Christmas story from the author's childhood. We all have memories of when we discovered not all our friends are as fortunate as we are. Includes the CD with author reading the story.

[Gordon Alley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book

This is a great book to read to young children. It shows how it is easy to take for granted for the little things in life as simple as a pair of socks.