On a December Day
On a December Day is a short story by George MacDonald about a young girl named Lucy who goes on an adventure with her grandfather to find the perfect Christmas tree. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and meet interesting characters, including a talking snowman and a group of elves. The story explores themes of family, tradition, and the magic of the holiday season.
By George MacDonald · First published 1863 · Genre: Poetry, Reflective, Nature · 339 words
First lines
I. This is the sweetness of an April day; The softness of the spring is on the face Of the old year. She has no natural grace, But something comes to her from far away
Out of the Past, and on her old decay The beauty of her childhood you can trace. -- And yet she moveth with a stormy pace, And goeth quickly. -- Stay, old year, oh, stay!
What this Textopian page supports
On a December Day is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1863 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1863 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Reflective, Nature, Philosophical, Romantic
- Length: 339 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On a December Day by George MacDonald
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering On a December Day?
- How does this poem by George MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The House Of Christmas by G. K. Chesterton
- To June by George Macdonald
- To Any Friend by George Macdonald
- Christmas Song Of The Old Children by George Macdonald
- Reciprocity by George Macdonald
- Summer Is Come by Gilbert Parker
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Reflective — The themes revolve around introspection and contemplation of time and change.
- Nature — There is a strong emphasis on natural elements and the changing seasons.
- Philosophical — The work explores philosophical ideas about time, memory, and the human condition.
Tags
winter · December · holiday · family · nostalgia · reflection · nature · spirituality · love · friendship · adventure · growth