Cynical journalist Tom Langdon comes to a new understanding of himself and a renewed appreciation for the season of miracles after a slight misunderstanding at the airport forces him to travel by train from Washington to Los Angeles at Christmastime.

The six mean Herdman kids lie, steal, smoke cigars (even the girls) and then become involved in the community Christmas pageant.

Arthur finds a way to enjoy his Christmas cookies even after he discovers they can't be eaten.

Haunted by his negative reaction to the Christmas sweater that his mother made for him when he was twelve--instead of getting the bike he had hoped for--Eddie grows up searching through childhood memories, and finds guidance from his neighbor Russell, to finally understand the full value of the gift he so quickly tossed aside.

Baker Hannah Swenson investigates the murder of a local businessman, who was running a nontraditional Christmas tree lot and had a few enemies, while preparing food for the wedding of the season. Includes recipes.

Taking a mouse to the movies can lead to letting him do other things, such as making a snowman, listening to Christmas carols, and decorating the Christmas tree.

Katie Carew sees Christmas from several points of view when she suddenly changes places with her neighbor, a department store gift-wrapper, and one of Santa's elves.

Despite the arrival of the Spirit of Christmas, who brings all sorts of trimmings and reminders of seasonal joys, something is still lacking.

Oswald T. Campbell, given the news that he only has a short time left to live, takes his doctor's recommendation that he leave Chicago and move to a milder climate, and ends up in Redbird, Alabama, where his involvement with a young orphan, a matchmaking widow, and a redbird named Jack, restores his heart and his health.