The artist/author's childhood memories of Russian Orthodox Christmas celebrations yield homey details of foods, decorations, activities and specific family members, showing how annual observances sustain cultural and personal ties. Mixed media illustrations capture the warmth of a particular tradition and of one extended family. (Ages 5-9)

"Readers will embrace this family and their enjoyment of a holiday that is more concerned with the joy of being together than with what is inside each brightly-wrapped package". -- "The Horn Book" "Polacco gives a stunning look at the way her midwestern relatives celebrated Epiphany in the Russian tradition when they first arrived in this country....[A] heartfelt remembrance...A small gem". -- "School Library Journal" "The artwork glows with originality and verve. A fine read-aloud for the Christmas season". -- "Booklist" (boxed review)