Christmas in the Woods by Dallas Lore Sharp
The story takes place in a rural area where a family is struggling to make ends meet during the holiday season. The father is out of work and the mother is trying to hold everything together. The children are excited about Christmas, but their parents' financial struggles have dampened their spirits. As Christmas approaches, the family's situation becomes increasingly dire. They are forced to rely on the kindness of neighbors and a local charity to get by. Meanwhile, a wealthy businessman in the community is struggling with his own personal demons. The story explores themes of poverty, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas.
By Dallas Lore Sharp · First published 1937 · Genre: Children's Literature, Holiday Fiction, Adventure · 3,647 words
First lines
ON the night before this particular Christmas every creature of the woods that could stir was up and stirring, for over the old snow was falling swiftly, silently, a soft, fresh covering that might mean a hungry Christmas unless the dinner were had before morning.
But when the morning dawned, a cheery Christmas sun broke across the great gum swamp, lighting the snowy boles and soft-piled limbs of the giant trees with indescribable glory, and pouring, a golden flood, into the deep spongy bottoms below. It would be a perfect Christmas in the woods, clear, mild, stirless, with silent footing for me, and everywhere the telltale snow.
What this Textopian page supports
Christmas in the Woods is listed on Textopian as a short story by Dallas Lore Sharp, dated 1937 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Dallas Lore Sharp
- Date: 1937 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Holiday Fiction, Adventure, Nature Literature
- Length: 3,647 words
- Structure: 1 section, 34 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Christmas in the Woods by Dallas Lore Sharp
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- The Wrens Nest by Dinah Mulock
- An Autumn Holiday by Sarah Orne Jewett
- Michael Godwins Xmas Box by Katharine Tynan
- The Palace In The Pig Pen by Dallas Lore Sharp
- The New Sleigh by David Cory
- Colonel Carters Christmas by Francis Hopkinson Smith
Genres
- Children's Literature — The book’s plot, setting in the woods, and themes make it appealing to children. It can be suitable as a story read during the festive season of Christmas.
- Holiday Fiction — The storyline revolves around the celebration of the Christmas holiday.
- Adventure — The setting in the woods could suggest the exploration aspect and adventure.
- Nature Literature — The book depicts scenes and happenings in a natural, woodsy setting.
Tags
Christmas · woods · nature · holiday · family · tradition · celebration · outdoors · winter · festivity · animals · scenery