This is a short story that follows the life of Mrs. Gratz, a content and placid widow who has a good little house and money in the bank. As she wakes up to a dreary Christmas morning, she discovers that her chickens have been stolen, and she reflects on the idea of Santa Claus. Through her thoughts, she ponders the significance of giving versus taking and the impact that it has on people's perceptions of Santa Claus.

Mrs. Gratz opened her eyes and looked out at the drizzle that made the Christmas morning gray. Her bed stood against the window, and it was easy for her to look out; all she had to do was to roll over and pull the shade aside. Having looked at the weather she rolled again on to the broad flat of her back and made herself comfortable for awhile, for there was no reason why she should get up until she felt like it. "Such a Christmas!" she said good-naturedly to herself. "I guess such weathers is bad for Santy Claus. Mebby it is because of such weathers he don't come by my house. I don't blame him. So muddy!"

Mrs. Gratz opened her eyes and looked out at the drizzle that made the Christmas morning gray. Her bed stood against the window, and it was easy for her to look out; all she had to do was to roll over and pull the shade aside. Having looked at the weather she rolled again on to the broad flat of her back and made herself comfortable for awhile, for there was no reason why she should get up until she felt like it.

This wonderful collection of classic stories about Santa Claus and Christmas includes works “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, “A Russian Christmas Party” by Leo Tolstoy, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore, “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” by L. Frank Baum, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E. T. A. Hoffmann, “The Errors of Santa Claus” by Stephen Leacock, “How Santa Claus came to Simpson’s bar” by Bret Harte, “Santa Claus's Partner” by Thomas Nelson Page, The life of SAINT NICHOLAS, The Bible and others.