When a disgruntled elf employee creates a horde of evil ninja teddy bears, Santa must break out his ancient samurai sword to save Christmas.

A young carpenter journeys to the German heartland to join his cousin and make his fortune in the guilds of a 1500s free imperial city. While advancing in his craft and forging friendships with his newfound neighbors, the carpenter discovers the wonders of the Renaissance and soon finds himself on the cusp of prosperity and romance that he had never dreamed. Yet as the city begins to celebrate the arrival of Christmas, a shadow falls across the festivities when a provincial sovereign plots to usurp control of the burgeoning metropolis. Suddenly, the city's plans for holiday merrymaking are thrown into turmoil, leaving the carpenter reeling to find his place in the new order. As freedom teeters on a knife's edge, duties are called into question as each guild tries to preserve its place in the new order. Amid the chaos, it is the innocent that are all but forgotten. Yet while the city remains paralyzed in fear, hope springs from the most unlikely of corners and through the smallest of charitable actions. When a child he has come to know is threatened with death and starvation, the carpenter must find the courage and strength to begin a clandestine undertaking to save her life and pave the way through which the city itself might regain its freedom. The carpenter's name, Christopher Kringle.

The Secret Life of Kris Kringle as told by his brother, Olaf, answers the questions... Who were Santa's parents? How did he get all those amazing powers? Where did the Elves come from and why are their short and tall Elves in legend? And what about Santa's reindeer? These and some of the mysteries of the last thousand years are woven into a tale that even the Sphinx could enjoy.

In Misty Hollow, where snowflakes gently fall, Lives Darcy Sweet, the mayor, beloved by all. With a heart so warm, like a cozy fire's heat, She organized a Santa troupe, a yuletide treat. But in this festive season, a dark cloud looms, The Kringle Jingle Players, one by one meet their doom. Who could be committing this horrible crime? It's up to Darcy Sweet to solve it in time. Soon the Ghosts of Santa's departed, Sing many Christmas songs, full-hearted. Darcy ponders their message hidden, In a dream that comes to her, unbidden. With Jon, Colby, and Tiptoe by her side, They'll face a heinous crime this yuletide, Threatening the town that she adores. Can Darcy Sweet save Christmas once more?

Seraphina Adams has always loved the outdoors, so when she is asked to help fetch the family Christmas tree she is thrilled, but a sudden accident and a chance meeting with the boy next door change everything in an instant. Rafe Dixion barely knows his nearest neighbors; a strong fence and a family feud having separated them for years, but when he hears the anguished cries for help he answers the call with an open heart only to have it stolen by an angel as she falls. Can two, star-crossed lovers find love in the season of peace, or with their parent's ancient war banish them forever?

Compiles and annotates YALSA's "Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults" and "Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers." Includes theme lists.

Lycanthropy is the theme of a special anthology of holiday tales featuring an outstanding collection of werewolf stories by Charlaine Harris, Simon R. Green, Keri Arthur, Dana Stabenow, Carrie Vaughn, Patricia Briggs, Rob Thurman, and others.