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Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas Treasury: Holiday Stories to Warm the Heart
This wonderful edition of Chicken Soup brings back favorite stories from previous books along with a host of new stories you will cherish for years to come. From humorous anecdotes to childhood memories, these heartwarming stories will inspire you with the spirit of love and giving, and remind you of the true meaning of Christmas. Give everyone on your Christmas list something extraordinary!
282 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2001
45 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Jack Canfield
1,294 books1,756 followersJack Canfield is an American motivational speaker and author. He is best known as the co-creator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series, which currently has over 124 titles and 100 million copies in print in over 47 languages. According to USA Today, Canfield and his writing partner, Mark Victor Hansen, were the top-selling authors in the United States in 1997.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
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July 5, 2017Chicken Soup for the Soul, fill in the blank for your choice of subtitle, in this case Christmas Treasury. You know the drill. Eight titles published each year, at one time always 101 stories (don’t know if that’s true any longer) that are sometimes joyful, often poignant, and always inspiring for me. I’ve said it before; “I’m a sucker for Chicken Soup”.
This collection was published in 2001 and I’ve had it for many years dipping into it a bit each Christmas season when I felt the need to lift my spirits or to remind myself what it’s all about. This year I picked the book up mid-December and began right on page one and read through all the stories, sometimes one a day, sometimes more. I finished this morning. Yes, it’s past Christmas but it felt right to continue this time round right through January. I haven’t decided whether I’ll keep this volume (usually I set them free) as it is one of my favorites and I certainly would enjoy a re-read next December.
There are always standouts stories that can change with mood or timing and certainly would be different for each reader. Sharing at least one with you has always been my modus operandi when reviewing any of the series so here goes.
The very last entry in Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas Treasury: Holiday Stories to Warm the Heart was penned by Jane Eppinga and is entitled Charity’s Gift. In this piece Eppinga shares with us the story behind Dr. Clement Clarke Moore’s inspiration for An account of a Visit by St. Nicholas or more commonly known as The Night Before Christmas, with or without the Twas. The reading of this poem has always been a Christmas Eve tradition in our home and even now when it is an empty nest, I maintain the tradition. I frequently purchase this book in one of its many renditions but always with the complete words of Clement Moore for newborn babes. Perhaps you already know how this poem came about. You can probably find the why elsewhere but I enjoyed reading Eppinga’s piece and is one I could easily share with a child.
I smiled, I laughed, I cried, I even sobbed. Chicken Soup always tangos with my emotions. This one was no exception.
Note: There has been controversy about the authorship of this famous poem. I choose to believe it is the work of Dr. Moore.
This collection was published in 2001 and I’ve had it for many years dipping into it a bit each Christmas season when I felt the need to lift my spirits or to remind myself what it’s all about. This year I picked the book up mid-December and began right on page one and read through all the stories, sometimes one a day, sometimes more. I finished this morning. Yes, it’s past Christmas but it felt right to continue this time round right through January. I haven’t decided whether I’ll keep this volume (usually I set them free) as it is one of my favorites and I certainly would enjoy a re-read next December.
There are always standouts stories that can change with mood or timing and certainly would be different for each reader. Sharing at least one with you has always been my modus operandi when reviewing any of the series so here goes.
The very last entry in Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas Treasury: Holiday Stories to Warm the Heart was penned by Jane Eppinga and is entitled Charity’s Gift. In this piece Eppinga shares with us the story behind Dr. Clement Clarke Moore’s inspiration for An account of a Visit by St. Nicholas or more commonly known as The Night Before Christmas, with or without the Twas. The reading of this poem has always been a Christmas Eve tradition in our home and even now when it is an empty nest, I maintain the tradition. I frequently purchase this book in one of its many renditions but always with the complete words of Clement Moore for newborn babes. Perhaps you already know how this poem came about. You can probably find the why elsewhere but I enjoyed reading Eppinga’s piece and is one I could easily share with a child.
I smiled, I laughed, I cried, I even sobbed. Chicken Soup always tangos with my emotions. This one was no exception.
Note: There has been controversy about the authorship of this famous poem. I choose to believe it is the work of Dr. Moore.
April 11, 2013
Chicken soup is always a favorite of mine and these stories are always a sweet story about a family coming closer together or helping ones in need. Which is exactly what Christmas and everyday life is about. So I think not only is this a great book but a good example for everyone out there!
December 20, 2024
This is my second time reading "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Treasury." My niece gave me this book almost 20 years ago. I read and enjoyed it then and decided it was time to revisit it this year. The stories were as heartwarming as I remembered. Some might consider the "Chicken Soup" series smarmy, but I am not one of them. Sometimes you just need something light and uplifting. The "Chicken Soup" books, and this "Christmas Treasury" in particular, answer that need.
December 11, 2024
Have a box of Kleenex on hand! The stories in the first half of the book were a bit overly sentimental with heavy religious references. The second half of the book was more light hearted.
December 21, 2019
Oh I forgot how much I loved these books when I was younger! My mom actually gave me this one for Christmas when I was a teenager - I remember one of the stories specifically and always thought I'd like to replicate it when I became a mother. This was a rewarding Christmas time read and I'm so glad I remembered it existed so I could get it from the library!
Favorite stories:
- Twas the night b4 Christmas
- Patches
- Christmas Mother
- The Heavenly Salesman
- A True Christmas
- Dear Santa
Favorite stories:
- Twas the night b4 Christmas
- Patches
- Christmas Mother
- The Heavenly Salesman
- A True Christmas
- Dear Santa
December 11, 2008
I was hoping this book would get me in the Christmas spirit...it was mostly terrible.
1. If being poor for Christmas makes you learn the true meaning of love and Christmas, why does everybody keep asking me for money?
2. Some of the charity recipients had a lot of dignity and gave the stuff away.
3. I LOVED the story, though, about the woman who was giving with an "uncheerful" heart...and God showed her how He used it to bless a little girl. That made the book worthwhile...kind of.
1. If being poor for Christmas makes you learn the true meaning of love and Christmas, why does everybody keep asking me for money?
2. Some of the charity recipients had a lot of dignity and gave the stuff away.
3. I LOVED the story, though, about the woman who was giving with an "uncheerful" heart...and God showed her how He used it to bless a little girl. That made the book worthwhile...kind of.
December 12, 2017
If you are ever just laying around with nothing to do and you need a few heartwarming stories to cheer you up or bring you christmas spirit, then read Chicken soup for the soul; Christmas Treasury. This book has many heartwarming, cheer filling short stories, and is appropriate for all ages. Every single one of these stories are true and taken from real life experiences and put into words by two great authors. Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen will delight you when you read this book between their magnificent writing skills and these terrific stories. You could be greatly inspired on how well these short stories were taken from heart and put into words in a book.
For example, one of the stories you can find in the book, Chicken soup for the soul; Christmas Treasury is called “The gift of Grr Face” This fascinating short story is about a young boy who one day has an accident in the kitchen while left alone in the kitchen and his recovery. Kenny (the young boy) accidentally knocks over a pan of boiling water off the stove while his mother is in the next room on the phone. When Kenny goes to the doctor a few months later to see if he can see or not, Kenny gives the doctor his teddy bear. This teddy bear was notably important to Kenny, and the bear had one missing arm and a burnt button eye. Kenny called this bear Grr face, and loved Grr face face dearly. The doctor accepts Kenny’s gift quietly, and releases them with the good or bad news of Kenny’s recovery. A few days later on Christmas Day, a box appears at the doorstep of Kenny and his mother’s house. When Kenny and his mother open the box, Grr face is there! Grr face even has a new arm and a new button eye, and Kenny is thrilled! This is a beautiful ending, and every other story you read will be just as heartfelt as this one.
For another example, one of the stories in this book is called “The Christmas Rose”. This short story is about a woman who works a flower shop and on Christmas Eve she is closing up when an old man comes into the shop and asks for white roses for his wife. The woman working the flower shop doesn’t have these roses in stock, and it would take hours and more money than expected to get them. This poor old man hands her five dollars, and begs her to find the roses. Even though it wasn’t enough, this woman told him she would and he was overjoyed. So he went home to his wife while she found the roses. She called another shop, picked them up herself, then payed for them herself, then finally took them to the old man and his wife by herself. This woman learns in the end that kindness is something you need to not feel empty inside.
The book Chicken soup for the soul; Christmas Treasury is a beautiful book, and definitely something anyone, anywhere,anytime, can enjoy. Read this book, and tell others about, they will probably love it more than you.
For example, one of the stories you can find in the book, Chicken soup for the soul; Christmas Treasury is called “The gift of Grr Face” This fascinating short story is about a young boy who one day has an accident in the kitchen while left alone in the kitchen and his recovery. Kenny (the young boy) accidentally knocks over a pan of boiling water off the stove while his mother is in the next room on the phone. When Kenny goes to the doctor a few months later to see if he can see or not, Kenny gives the doctor his teddy bear. This teddy bear was notably important to Kenny, and the bear had one missing arm and a burnt button eye. Kenny called this bear Grr face, and loved Grr face face dearly. The doctor accepts Kenny’s gift quietly, and releases them with the good or bad news of Kenny’s recovery. A few days later on Christmas Day, a box appears at the doorstep of Kenny and his mother’s house. When Kenny and his mother open the box, Grr face is there! Grr face even has a new arm and a new button eye, and Kenny is thrilled! This is a beautiful ending, and every other story you read will be just as heartfelt as this one.
For another example, one of the stories in this book is called “The Christmas Rose”. This short story is about a woman who works a flower shop and on Christmas Eve she is closing up when an old man comes into the shop and asks for white roses for his wife. The woman working the flower shop doesn’t have these roses in stock, and it would take hours and more money than expected to get them. This poor old man hands her five dollars, and begs her to find the roses. Even though it wasn’t enough, this woman told him she would and he was overjoyed. So he went home to his wife while she found the roses. She called another shop, picked them up herself, then payed for them herself, then finally took them to the old man and his wife by herself. This woman learns in the end that kindness is something you need to not feel empty inside.
The book Chicken soup for the soul; Christmas Treasury is a beautiful book, and definitely something anyone, anywhere,anytime, can enjoy. Read this book, and tell others about, they will probably love it more than you.
November 17, 2022
You have to actually wonder and smile at the end of a tale that basically ends with "Who's gonna decorate the goats?"
By now just about everyone knows the premise behind the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and this one just focuses on the Christmas holidays with some Hanukkah thrown in as well.
The numerous stories are broken into five sections and mentioned will be one that I enjoyed:
*True Meaning of Christmas - a striking tale of a husband pre-arranging the purchase of a puppy for his wife, only he dies before Christmas but his present arrives.
*Giving - the classic O. Henry's Gift of the Magi which I originally heard years ago.
*Yuletide Memories - a heart-warming tale of finding a store Santa that can sign and the joy and return of hope to a deaf child.
*Christmas Traditions - where a Christmas Phantom leaves mysterious but heartfelt gifts for the twelve days of Christmas including bows and ribbons and red envelopes with donations.
*Boughs, Holly, and Mistle. . . aneous - which has a stand-in Santa finding letters and responds to a couple from those who have less than the minimal.
Can bring a smile from the overall goodness and generosity of humanity especially when personally feeling the need for an uplifting tale. Or just something to brighten a day or give an idea or two for personal generosity.
As for the goats comment - there is a story of a young boy bringing home an animal with the typical 'Can we keep it?' and instead of a dog or cat, it was a goat. A pregnant one at that. And the nanny goat and kids participated in the Christmas parade, all decorated with ornaments and when they were startled, jumped off the float requiring even Santa's help corralling them. Had to be a parade to remember and tell over the years.
2022-251
By now just about everyone knows the premise behind the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and this one just focuses on the Christmas holidays with some Hanukkah thrown in as well.
The numerous stories are broken into five sections and mentioned will be one that I enjoyed:
*True Meaning of Christmas - a striking tale of a husband pre-arranging the purchase of a puppy for his wife, only he dies before Christmas but his present arrives.
*Giving - the classic O. Henry's Gift of the Magi which I originally heard years ago.
*Yuletide Memories - a heart-warming tale of finding a store Santa that can sign and the joy and return of hope to a deaf child.
*Christmas Traditions - where a Christmas Phantom leaves mysterious but heartfelt gifts for the twelve days of Christmas including bows and ribbons and red envelopes with donations.
*Boughs, Holly, and Mistle. . . aneous - which has a stand-in Santa finding letters and responds to a couple from those who have less than the minimal.
Can bring a smile from the overall goodness and generosity of humanity especially when personally feeling the need for an uplifting tale. Or just something to brighten a day or give an idea or two for personal generosity.
As for the goats comment - there is a story of a young boy bringing home an animal with the typical 'Can we keep it?' and instead of a dog or cat, it was a goat. A pregnant one at that. And the nanny goat and kids participated in the Christmas parade, all decorated with ornaments and when they were startled, jumped off the float requiring even Santa's help corralling them. Had to be a parade to remember and tell over the years.
2022-251
January 31, 2021
It's not the best of The Chicken Soup books, and it is definitely not the best of the Christmas ones. "Chicken Soup for The Soul Christmas Treasury: Holiday Stories to Warm the Heart" does have a few good stories in it as well as the entire poem of "T'was The Night Before Christmas" as the last story in the collection (see page 265).
The majority of stories in this collection will make a person laugh, but if you are looking for heartwarming tales that will inspire you to be a better person around the holidays, there are only a few of those in this collection.
My advice to the reader is if you are looking for a Chicken Soup Christmas book, read at least a story from each of the chapters before you pick it up as there are many other Chicken Soup Christmas books out there. If you are looking for a collection that will make you feel all warm-and-fuzzy before bed, skip this one, but if you are looking for a collection that will give you a small chuckle on your lunch break, than by all means, check out this collection.
The majority of stories in this collection will make a person laugh, but if you are looking for heartwarming tales that will inspire you to be a better person around the holidays, there are only a few of those in this collection.
My advice to the reader is if you are looking for a Chicken Soup Christmas book, read at least a story from each of the chapters before you pick it up as there are many other Chicken Soup Christmas books out there. If you are looking for a collection that will make you feel all warm-and-fuzzy before bed, skip this one, but if you are looking for a collection that will give you a small chuckle on your lunch break, than by all means, check out this collection.
December 12, 2019
I, like many people in the early 2000s, got caught up in the Chicken Soup for the Soul craze, and read quite a few of the books written by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. I happened to run across this book tucked away in my bookcase - the only Chicken Soup for the Soul book I kept. I remembered I had read a few of the stories but had never finished the book. Being the holiday season, I pulled it out. I really enjoyed most of the stories. I especially liked the ones that were based on true incidents. Some, striving for humor and falling flat, were a bit silly - but the book as a whole was a heartwarming addition to the month of December.
January 20, 2024
For as long as the Chicken Soup for the Soul books have been around, this was my first experience reading one. As a Christmas fanatic, this book was very satisfying. It had a wonderful array of Christmas stories. There were humorous stories and touching stories. While there are too many to mention, my favorite was of a woman inviting an eclectic group of people over for Christmas at the last minute when her family had to cancel. These stories exude the warmth and meaning of the Christmas season, and I am so glad I read it!
December 25, 2024
I used to save my allowance and buy the chicken soup for the soul series in middle school. It's been almost 10+ years since I last read this particular book but I forgot how much I loved them. And to my surprise, the introduction included Richard E. Byrd, a Bostonian! Perfect timing since I was missing my time after going through my photo album yesterday. Merry Christmas.
May 8, 2017
I always enjoy these short stories which are inspirational. Each are only a few pages long and it is a great option to pick up and read in a short time. Renew your faith in humanity with these stories.
January 11, 2018
I love the Chicken Soup series of books. I like to keep them in the bathroom since they have nice short stories. There is a lot of emotional impact through the various stories, some make me laugh and others make me cry, but they all have a little something inspirational within them.
January 29, 2024
This series started with just general-themed collections. In 1995 I read Chicken Soup for the Soul. Then in 1997 I listened to Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul. I love seasonal stories so later I picked up the Christmas-themed one. These are good ones for reading aloud too.
December 13, 2017
So many cute and heart breaking stories here!
October 7, 2018
Great book of memories. Really captured the spirit of the season.
December 13, 2018
From Thanksgiving to Christmas I try to read Christmas stories. This book had warm fuzzy stories, ones that made me cry, and ones that made me chuckle. This book is definitely a good read.
January 7, 2019
Didn’t wow me.
November 14, 2019
Great stories relating to the Christmas season, both heartwarming and funny at times. Thoroughly enjoyable reading.
September 23, 2020
This is just another typical book in the series. I read it because all my books are in quarantine at the library for what seems like forever. No story really even stood out to me.
November 27, 2021
Excellent stories of Christmas experiences.
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January 3, 2022excellent!
February 13, 2022
Love these books as the as inspirational!
February 19, 2022
I love this series, and this is a great book about holiday stories.
July 5, 2022
I’m not a Christian and I don’t celebrate Christmas but the stories in this were actually really nice, greatly enjoyed it.
December 21, 2022
“An angel in chains” is my favorite story from this book. And one of my favorites of all the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, to be honest!
January 7, 2023
Have read many of The Chicken Soup for the Soul books, always enjoy the stories shared.
December 31, 2023
I have always looked reading the Chicken Soup books. The Christmas Treasury is a collection of heart warming stories that are prefect reading for the Christmas season.
December 31, 2023
This was a very enjoyable book, especially with the holidays! (However you could read it any time of the year!)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews