Bret Nicholaus, The Christmas Letters

The Christmas Letters

Bret Nicholaus

Center Street (Warner), October 2006, $14.00

ISBN: 1931722951

As the family has done for years, they all come together to share Christmas with Grandpa. Four generations invade the patriarch's home to shower each other with love. However, this year turns out slightly differently as Grandpa announced to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild that "This may be the last Christmas I get to spend with each of you". He gives his beloved relatives nine sealed individualized notes using the letters in the word Christmas to symbolize the recipient. The loving notes explain how each brought joy and happiness into his well filled contented life, as well providing them with a life parable.

Christmas is coming soon, but Grandpa proved accurate as he died in the summer. Yet everyone gathers at Grandpa's house because they all believe he is there for them through his letters and in spirit to celebrate Christmas with his loved ones.

This novella is a terrific tale as each of the family members receive a precious memento from a person held in high regard and cherished by all. Readers will appreciate the gift from Grandpa, as Bret Nicholaus provides touching short vignettes of what Grandpa says in his letters to each person. THE CHRISTMAS LETTERS is an uplifting holiday tale that reminds the audience what really is blessed about life is giving and receiving love.