After watching It’s a Wonderful Life for the first time, thirty-one-year-old Julie Shelly’s predictable small-town life turns anything but as she begins experiencing uncanny parallels between her life and the fictional George Bailey’s. Initially intrigued by the way her life seems to imitate the classic movie, Julie secretly hopes the strange similarities bear some kind of deeper existential significance. But real life soon brings her back down to earth and she dismisses the episodes as mere coincidence and the wishful thinking of her restless spirit. Julie decides to put the Wonderful Life foolishness behind her…until a tragedy puts her faith to the test and forces her to view the odd movie coincidences in a completely different light. Her epiphany ultimately spurs her toward an extraordinary, life-changing encounter with a vulnerable stranger on Christmas Eve.

A homeless boy's rescue of a scrawny Christmas tree sparks a glimmer of hope that has far-reaching effects.

Unable to sleep on Christmas eve, four children creep downstairs to see the tree, their stockings, their wrapped gifts, and to hear the singing of the carolers.

Determined to see Santa this year and experience Christmas magic, Tess McAlister eagerly awaits his arrival while hoping for the quick recovery of her best friend's father, in a magical tale filled with hope, dreams, and holiday spirit. Reprint.

Three lonely people, three lives at crossroads, three people who are about to discover that Christmas is a time when anything is possible and when wishes can come true.

Join Nicholas and his grandfather as they push aside the thoughts of decorating the Christmas tree to lovingly care for a cardinal trapped in the snow of a blizzard on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning finds Nicholas more concerned about the bird than opening his gifts.

"47 Minutes is a thin book, but deep; short, but memorable. Take the time to savor its words and surreal images and its powerful, timely message for our rushed and stuffed society: 'tis, indeed, the gift to be simple."-- John de Graaf, co-author, Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic

Having been abandoned in the attic for years, Flora McFlimsey is given new life on Christmas Eve.

This picture book will entertain young reade rs with the fun things it can do. Watch the train run along the tracks, the toy soldiers march and take a peek inside th e dolls house '

Even the most ardent fans of It's a Wonderful Life will be surprised and delighted by the insightful discussions of film details, cast anecdotes, curiosities, and gaffes found in this charming guide. Providing a fresh perspective, this companion includes a handy film chronology and an overview of the plot, a complete breakdown of the musical score, a fun and challenging quiz, a DVD bookmarking feature designed to give instant access to favorite scenes and other points of interest, informative historical sidebars, the complete lyrics to "Buffalo Gals," and never-before-seen maps and diagrams of downtown Bedford Falls, downtown Pottersville, the Building and Loan, and 320 Sycamore. In addition, film lovers will learn why George should have spent Christmas Eve in jail, who crashes the Bailey family Christmas Eve gathering, the story behind the sudden demise of Mr. Gower's son, how to make a flaming rum punch, the real-life site of the Bedford Falls High School "swim-gym," and other fascinating trivia related to the classic.