This Way to Christmas

“This Way to Christmas” by Ruth Sawyer is an early 20th-century children's story about a young boy named David trying to find happiness in the Hill Country after experiencing the absence of his father due to the war. David is being taken care of by Johanna, and his adventure dives into the feelings of loneliness and the true meaning of Christmas as David learns the magic of belief. As he meets different characters, including fairies and friendly locals, David begins to understand what the holiday season is all about. He used to have holiday joy, but after his father leaves and he has to move, he feels lost and alone. While at the lodge, David reflects on a "locked-out fairy" from Johanna's stories and begins to wonder how to celebrate Christmas without the things he is used to. The tale becomes a journey showing David's change as he looks for hope and connection.