On Christmas Day

The Fernalds are an elderly couple, alone now that their children are grown and, mostly, married. But one of their sons realizes how lonely they must be and decides to bring his family together for the holidays to surprise his parents. First published in 1908, this short novel was followed by a sequel, On Christmas Day in the Evening, in 1910.

The Fernalds, who now always share the holidays together, decide to try to reunite their community as well by re-opening the village church after schisms have shut its doors. First published in 1910, this short tale continues the story of the Fernald family that began with the 1908 short novel On Christmas Day in the Morning.

This collection brings together the two holiday stories Grace S. Richmond published about the Fernald family in 1908 and 1910. In the first, On Christmas Day in the Morning, the Fernalds gather for the first time after many years as a surprise for their elderly parents. In the second, On Christmas Day in the Evening, the Fernalds, now reunited themselves, work to also bring their community together by reopening the village church for a Christmas service that's focused on peace and forgiveness.