Christmas Tears (Songs of Hearth and Altar)
The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her childhood home for Christmas after many years away. She is struggling with the loss of her faith and the disillusionment of adulthood. The narrative explores themes of nostalgia, spirituality, and the complexities of human relationships through the protagonist's interactions with her family and community.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1908 · Genre: Poetry, Holiday, Sentimental · 292 words
First lines
The day returns by which we date our years: Day of the joy of giving, -- that means love; Day of the joy of living, -- that means hope; Day of the Royal Child, -- and day that brings To older hearts the gift of Christmas tears!
Look, how the candles twinkle through the tree, The children shout when baby claps his hands, The room is full of laughter and of song!
Your lips are smiling, dearest, -- tell me why Your eyes are brimming full of Christmas tears?
Was it a silent voice that joined the song?
What this Textopian page supports
Christmas Tears (Songs of Hearth and Altar) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Holiday, Sentimental, Religious, Family
- Length: 292 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Christmas Tears (Songs of Hearth and Altar) by Henry Van Dyke
- 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 Christmas Tears (Songs of Hearth and Altar)?
- How does this poem by Henry Van Dyke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- 99 Linwood Street A Christmas Story by Edward Everett Hale
- A Christmas Prayer For The Home by Henry Van Dyke
- A Song For Christmas by James Whitcomb Riley
- Christmas Hymn by Edith Nesbit
- Christmas Greeting by James Whitcomb Riley
- Birthday Verses by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes.
- Holiday — The central theme revolves around Christmas, focusing on its emotional and spiritual significance.
- Sentimental — The text evokes deep emotions, reflecting on love, memory, and the bittersweet nature of Christmas.
- Religious — References to the 'Royal Child' and 'Heavenly hope' suggest a Christian religious context.
Tags
Christian Fiction · Christmas Story · Poetry Collection · Spiritual Themes · Emotional Journey · Family Drama · Faith-Based · Heartwarming · Inspirational · Literary Fiction · Moral Lessons · Nostalgic