Playing Santa Claus, and Other Christmas Tales

"Playing Santa Claus, and Other Christmas Tales" by Sarah P. Doughty, is a selection of heartwarming stories set during Christmastime during the mid-1800s. The book is full of narratives that explore the joy of giving and the special feeling of Christmas, often revealing the differences between the lives of rich and poor people. With themes of selflessness and treating others with kindness, the stories also try to teach us about generosity and being kind to one another. One story tells of two sisters, Caroline and Emma, who want to give gifts and clothing to other children who are poor and live next door, instead of keeping them all to themselves. Their mother agrees to help them, and the story reminds us to be kind to others during the holidays. With its focus on being kind and giving to others during the holidays, the collection has a happy and thoughtful tone.