On Christmas Eve by Ann M. Martin

 

Summary (from the publisher): A heartfelt gift for every family, sure to be shared over and over each year.

Eight-year-old Tess is convinced this is the year she will finally meet Santa, and experience "the Christmas magic." She also wishes with all her heart that her best friend's ill father will recover. Tess' faith in the season results in a Christmas Eve so wondrous, so sparkling, readers won't be able to help but feel transformed. Like trimming the tree and "It's a Wonderful Life"; baking cookies and "White Christmas," On Christmas Eve is sure to bring new holiday magic to readers' lives.

Review: Even though eight-year-old's Tess's best sister makes fun of her for it, she still believes in Santa Claus. And this year, she is determined to stay up to meet with him because she has a special request. Her best friend Sarah's dad is very sick with cancer. And Tess just knows Santa could bring make a Christmas miracle happen. 

This was such a moving story. In fact, there is one scene at the end that made me cry! I read this aloud with my children aged 8, 6, and 4 and we all enjoyed having a holiday read. I liked the 1950s setting and the depiction of friendship. Tess witnesses her friend going through an immense loss and while at many times she isn't sure how to respond or what to do, she mostly gets it right. She is thoughtful of her friend's sadness and gives her space when she needs it. I also liked the way Tess is pictured questioning things. She is on the cusp of giving up childhood beliefs and practices but clinging tight to them as long as she can. 

The only reason I am rating this 3.5 stars and not 4 is I did not like the scenes where Tess stays up to meet Santa. There is a lot of insinuation that Tess is hearing and seeing magical events, which is fine. But the author decides to make dogs being able to talk part of the lore of Santa. This was just odd and a bridge too far for me and it also inspired a frenzy in my children who now believe this is part of the Santa Claus mythos. I like that Tess is very close and devoted to her dog, but this was just a little much for me and it was hard to suspend my disbelief at this point.  

Stars: 3.5