ALA Booklist

As days shorten and frosty grass begins to crunch underfoot, a family begins their long-awaited preparations for Christmas. The wreath goes on the door, snowflake cutouts are hung in the windows, colored lights adorn the eaves, children play in new snow, lines of children wait to pose with Santa, the family selects and decorates the tree, and on and on. Until finally Christmas morning comes with gifts and sweet-smelling treats. Brenner's own childhood memories of the magic of Christmas serve as inspiration for the lyrical text, while Christy uses the mountains in her home state of Massachusetts as the model for the soft but lively illustrations. This will rekindle childhood memories for adults who share this warm story with children.

School Library Journal (Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)

K-Gr 2 Brenner follows And Then Comes Halloween (Candlewick, 2009) with this countdown to Christmas. Starting with the last gasps of fall, "When frost glistens on the pastures and fence posts, and icy grass crunches underfoot, and dark clouds sit low on the horizon&30;," a rural family prepares for the holidays with all the traditional trappings, from sledding, hanging wreaths, and performing in the school pageant, to the after-presents breakfast. As with his previous work, Brenner frames the story through a repeated pattern of "When&30;" and "Then&30;" statements full of poetic, Norman Rockwell-like descriptions of the weather, activities, and delicious moments. He lets the anticipation build and then delivers with a satisfying page turn. The text is matched with Christy's cheery, hazy illustrations, focusing on the family's curly haired girl and her towheaded little brother. Fans of the previous book, and those libraries with high demand for Christmas fare, won't be disappointed. Brooke Sheets, Los Angeles Public Library

Horn Book (Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2015)

In Brenner's inviting story, chilly weather, holiday decorations, delicious baked goods, and all the other trappings of Christmas act as guideposts for a brother and sister as they eagerly await Christmas morning. Soft-focus digital illustrations in vibrant hues reflect the season's coziness and industry. Those looking for an accessible book about secular celebration of Christmas will enjoy this warm-hearted offering.