Christmas in Legend and Story: A Book for Boys and Girls

by Elva Sophronia Smith

"Christmas in Legend and Story: A Book for Boys and Girls" by Elva Sophronia Smith is a collection of Christmas stories and legends compiled for a youthful audience, likely created in the early 20th century. This anthology aims to provide both literary merit and suitable content for children, encompassing a range of traditional and contemporary tales associated with the Christmas season, with a reverent spirit that resonates with the celebration of Christ's birth. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to a captivating preface explaining the necessity of procuring Christmas stories that inspire joy and wonder among children. It expresses a determination to blend reverence with literary quality, setting the tone for the pages to follow. The opening portions include traditional nativity tales, such as the serene night of Jesus's birth where nature rejoices, the journey of the shepherds who hear angelic proclamations, and legends involving miraculous themes like the blooming of holy thorns and the gifts presented by the Wise Men. Each story emphasizes the celebration of virtue, love, and the significance of the Christmas spirit, beckoning readers to embrace the magic and lessons embedded in these narratives.