Do you need a story to remind your kids, siblings, and yourself, that Christmas isn’t about everything being perfect? If so, check out today’s story.

Perfect Christmas: A Carol of Calm in the Midst of the Mess by Gary Bower
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Most Christmas stories are about wonderful events, and happy times, but this was a little different. Told in wonderful rhymes, this is a story about a normal family with real life struggles. Not enough money, bills due, the gingerbread house breaks, and other things happen, but every time the reader is pointed to why we celebrate Christmas. It’s more than just presents, and perfect bows, it’s . . . But I don’t want to spoil the story. And yes, I did tear up while reading it.

And the illustrations are perfect! Colorful, real, and full of detail.
This is a Christmas story every family should have.

Do you stories that show real things not just perfect Christmases? Have you read this book before? Have you ever had a Christmas when things just weren’t perfect and it was okay?

Check out other Christmas books on the Christmas Stories to Read page.

I’m a part of the 12 Days of Christmas blog party again this year, so check out the other post for today by clicking on the image.