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Read by Alison Fraser. 1950s. Tess believes that this year she is going to meet the real Santa Claus. She's been feeling a special magic growing all around her as Christmas approaches. And when she actually does meet Santa in her living room on Christmas Eve she asks him to help her best friend Sara's father get better from cancer. Santa can't promise this but says he'll do his best. Tess believes that Sara's father will be healthy again. But a few months later, he dies. Tess' faith is shaken somewhat but she knows Santa did his best. Her friend Sara grieves throughout the year but by the following Christmas is in higher spirits even though her father will be missing. Tess realizes that part of the magic of Christmas is the feeling of hope and it makes her happy to see that Sara has hope.

This is a lovely book, filled with images of a simple time, when baking cookies and decorating trees created wonderful memories. The author paints a portrait of an old-fashioned Christmas, filled with hand made ornaments, snow that sparkles, Christmas Eve church service, and a town where all stores sparkle with displays.

As a child of the 1950's this captured many memories for me. Christmas was exciting, filled with expectation. Making hand-made presents for my parents -- an ash tray, and a candle holder, brought much joy. On Christmas Eve captured the magic of childhood Christmas.

Eight year old Tess longs to meet Santa. She has a request for him. Her best friend's father has cancer and is very ill. Imparting God like qualities to Santa, Tess believes that if she asks, her wish will come true.

Tess learns that not all wishes can be fulfilled, but hope is a quality to hold dear. ( )