In "Christmas Under The Snow," the Barnes family faces a crisis when their isolated prairie cabin is completely buried by a massive blizzard just before Christmas, shortly after the father leaves for supplies. Trapped and fearing for the father lost in the storm, the family's survival and spirits rely heavily on the young son, Willie. He demonstrates remarkable courage and resourcefulness by clearing the blocked chimney, trapping rabbits for an improvised Christmas dinner, and catching live birds as presents for his sisters to maintain hope. Their ordeal ends joyfully on Christmas Day when the father, guided by their chimney smoke, finds them, leading to a reunion that underscores themes of family resilience, ingenuity during hardship, and finding the Christmas spirit through caring and resourcefulness rather than just material goods.

J.H. Ewing's "Old Father Christmas" is a charming, nostalgic tale capturing childhood innocence and the magic surrounding early Christmas tree traditions. The story follows the narrator and their sister Patty, who excitedly mistake a kindly, deaf old man carrying a fir tree for Father Christmas himself, leading to humorous misunderstandings that fuel their belief. Their adventure involves anticipating his return, finding him injured after a fall (guided by his dog), and caring for him, before being surprised by their parents with a beautiful Christmas tree, which they joyfully believe is a gift from the very "Father Christmas" they helped. This heartwarming story explores themes of imagination, kindness, and the power of childhood fancy, showing how a cherished, mistaken belief brought unexpected joy and remained a fond memory, solidified by the old man's subsequent passing.

This story tells of a magnificent church with legendary Christmas chimes in its tower, said to ring only when the most worthy offering is placed on the altar for the Christ-Child. For many years, despite wealthy patrons and even a king offering valuable treasures like jewels and a crown, the chimes remained silent. However, on one bitterly cold Christmas Eve, a poor boy named Pedro selflessly gives up his long-awaited chance to attend the festive service to instead care for a freezing woman he finds near the city gates. He sends his younger brother ahead with his only possession, a small silver coin, as his offering. After all the splendid gifts fail to stir the bells, the little brother humbly places Pedro's coin on the altar, and at that moment, the beautiful chimes ring out, revealing that the greatest gift is not material wealth, but an act of pure, selfless love and sacrifice.

Guided by the Ghost of Christmas Present, Scrooge invisibly observes the bustling, cheerful Christmas preparations in London before visiting the humble home of his clerk, Bob Cratchit. Despite their evident poverty, the Cratchit family, including the frail but optimistic Tiny Tim, radiates warmth, love, and excitement as they eagerly anticipate and joyfully share their modest Christmas dinner – a small goose and a homemade pudding. This scene vividly contrasts their material lack with their spiritual richness, showcasing deep family bonds, gratitude for simple pleasures, and the true meaning of Christmas spirit, poignantly captured in Tiny Tim’s enduring blessing, "God bless us every one!"

This poem explores the narrator's initial wish to be Santa Claus, drawn to the magic of delivering presents and reading children's hopeful letters. However, the narrator soon realizes the profound sadness Santa must carry, imagining the heartbreak of seeing empty stockings on Christmas morning and knowing some children feel forgotten and disappointed. Ultimately, the narrator feels relieved not to bear this burden, recognizing that the sorrow for those children Santa cannot reach would be too overwhelming, highlighting the bittersweet nature of the Santa myth and the sadness of unfulfilled childhood hopes.

"Baseball Joe of the Silver Stars" follows the earnest and talented young pitcher Joe Matson as he progresses in his baseball career, joining the Silver Stars team. The narrative focuses on Joe's challenges in adapting to a higher level of play, proving his worth to new teammates and management, and navigating rivalries and pressures both on and off the field. Throughout the story, themes of perseverance, hard work, sportsmanship, and maintaining integrity in the face of adversity are central, showcasing Joe as a positive role model who achieves success through dedication and character, making it a classic example of early 20th-century juvenile sports fiction emphasizing values alongside athletic achievement.

Set during the American Revolution in December 1776, this story follows young siblings Kitty and Harry Tracy in Bordentown, New Jersey, whose father is away fighting with George Washington's army across the Delaware River, with enemy troops nearby. Missing him deeply, especially at Christmas, they prepare small gifts and save a holiday turkey, clinging to hope despite the somber wartime atmosphere. Following news of Washington's surprise victory at the Battle of Trenton, their father unexpectedly returns home safe but weary, bringing a poignant gift – a spaniel named Fido, rescued from his dying British officer owner after the battle – leading to a joyful family reunion and illustrating themes of sacrifice, hope, family love amidst conflict, and a tangible connection to a significant historical event.

In this lively scene from Charles Dickens, the cheerful employer Mr. Fezziwig throws a joyous Christmas Eve party for his apprentices, Ebenezer Scrooge and Dick Wilkins, and a host of employees, family, and neighbours. With infectious enthusiasm, Fezziwig calls an end to work, directs the swift transformation of his warehouse into a warm ballroom, and hires a fiddler. Everyone joins in the dancing, from the beaming Mrs. Fezziwig and their daughters to the local cook and milkman, culminating in a spirited performance by the Fezziwigs themselves. The evening is filled with warmth, generosity, and community spirit, ending only when the clock strikes eleven, with Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig personally wishing every guest a Merry Christmas as they depart, showcasing a model of kind leadership and festive celebration.

In William Osborn Stoddard's "How Santa Claus Came," the Burnell children worry that a severe Christmas Eve snowstorm will prevent Santa Claus from arriving, a concern their parents secretly share as they couldn't get gifts from the village. However, embodying the spirit of Santa, their Aunt Sally, Uncle Frank, and cousin Mid brave the storm, arriving late by train. They sneak into the house in the early morning hours, unpack a wealth of presents, fill the stockings they find, light fires, and even start making breakfast, turning the children's potential disappointment into a joyful surprise and demonstrating how love and family effort can overcome obstacles to deliver Christmas magic.

In "The Tin Woodman of Oz," the titular character, driven by a desire to reconnect with his past, embarks on a quest to find Nimmie Amee, the Munchkin girl he loved before he was transformed into tin. Joined by the loyal Scarecrow and a wandering boy named Woot, their journey through lesser-known parts of Oz leads them through strange encounters, including with a giantess who transforms them and the discovery of another tin man, Captain Fyter, who was also Nimmie Amee's suitor. The adventure culminates in a surprising and complex resolution when they finally find Nimmie Amee, forcing the Tin Woodman (and readers) to explore themes of identity, the nature of love and memory, and the enduring importance of friendship over past romance.