Today’s story is based on a true story. I did change the home country from Italy to Russia, Poland, or some Slavic country. But the ending is true. It actually happened. And I’m sharing it free with you today.
First Christmas in America
Rebekah A. Morris
Klara Ivanski arrives from the Old Country with her Papa, Mama and ten brothers and sisters. “All vill be vell,” Papa assures them, but Mama and several of her brothers and sisters must remain at their aunt and uncle’s because of sickness. With barely enough money for food, Klara is quick to assure her papa that they only need Mama and the other to make Christmas special. But will the family be together for their first Christmas in America?
My A Favorite Review
What a sweet, little story! The ending made me tear up. 😉 I enjoyed the close-knit big family, especially how sweet Papa was portrayed. Cleaning their big, new house actually sounded like a lot of fun! I did really connect with the lonely feelings of moving into a new house, though. (And having to leave part of the family behind? That’s just terrible!) There were so many children, it got a little hard to keep track of them sometimes, but there was no forgetting sweet Klara and impatient Polina. (And Anastasiya did a great job filling in for Mama!) I also appreciated how grateful they were for everything.
Best quote: Klara came last, for she wanted to see in every direction at once.
Altogether, I enjoyed this snapshot of a close-knit family similar to my own.
~ Kate Willis
Get this sweet story for free right here. Enjoy!
This looks like such a sweet story! Hadn’t noticed this one before. 🙂
It’s one of my favorites because it is based on a true story. 🙂
I finished this one just the other day! 🙂
I was just curious, is this book set during a certain time period? I didn’t catch if it was or not.
I didn’t really specify what year it was, but it was around the late 1920s-early 1930s. I don’t think the true story it is based off of, said what year it happened. 🙂
Thank you for the freebie, Rebekah!! BTW, I enjoyed your 10 Short Stories Collection. The wagon’s story was particularly nice—my fav, I think. Well, ties with “Alone”. That one is hilarious. I laughed out loud reading it. 😀
You’re welcome!
Glad to hear you enjoyed those. I don’t usually hear if people liked the stories in that collection or not. Yes, “Alone” was quite fun to write. 😛