Sign-In
Cart
The First Christmas Tree and The Lost Word
Paperback
General Juvenile FictionHoliday
Publisher Price: $13.99
ISBN13: 9781835524114
Publisher: Atlas Vista Publisher
Published: May 12 2026
Pages: 58
Weight: 0.35
Height: 0.12 Width: 8.50 Depth: 11.00
Language: English
The First Christmas Tree is a historical novella written by Henry Van Dyke, an American author, and clergyman. It was first published in 1897 and has become a classic Christmas story that captures the spirit and symbolism of Christmas traditions.
The novella tells the story of a young, newly ordained minister named Johannes, who is sent from Germany to a mission in the Harz Mountains of Saxony. As he arrives in the picturesque village of Oberndorf, he discovers that the villagers celebrate the Christmas season in a unique and meaningful way.
The people of Oberndorf have a tradition of decorating and lighting a fir tree in the town square, making it the first recorded instance of a Christmas tree. Johannes, initially skeptical of this custom, learns about the significance of the tree from an elderly woman named Ursula. She tells him that the tree represents the Tree of Life, and the lights on the tree symbolize the stars that shone on the night of Christ's birth.
The story beautifully illustrates how the simple act of decorating a Christmas tree can serve as a powerful reminder of the joy, hope, and love that Christmas represents. The First Christmas Tree is not only a heartwarming and enchanting tale but also a reflection on the meaning of Christmas traditions.
It emphasizes the importance of embracing the spirit of giving, love, and faith during the holiday season. The story has become a cherished part of the Christmas literary canon, reminding readers of the deeper, spiritual meaning behind many holiday customs.
Also from
Henry Van Dyke
Also in
Holiday
Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories 2: From the Creator of Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Kinney, Jeff
Hardcover
The Magic Halloween Box: A Lift-The-Flap Book of Opposites! (Ms. Rachel)
MS Rachel
Mr Aron
Brantz, Loryn
Hardcover
You're My Little Baby Boo (Board Book for Babies and Toddlers 0-2 Years Old)
Edwards, Nicola
Hardcover
Bluey: Christmas 5-Minute Stories: 6 Stories in 1 Book? Hooray!
Penguin Young Readers Licenses
Hardcover
Howl for Halloween! with Brown Bear and Friends: An Interactive Board Book with Peek-A-Boo Sliders for Babies and Toddlers
Odd Dot
Carle, Eric
Hardcover
Thank You, Mom! from Baby Bear and Friends (World of Eric Carle): The Perfect Gift for Mother's Day and All-Year-Round!
Carle, Eric
Odd Dot
Hardcover
The Gingerbread Yeti: A Funny, Rhyming Christmas Picture Book about Friendship
Gemeinhart, Dan
Hardcover
Spooky Season's Greetings (Disney Tim Burton's the Nightmare Before Christmas)
Random House Disney
Hardcover
All Creation Waits -- Children's Edition: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings for Children
Boss, Gayle
Hardcover
You're My Little Pumpkin Pie (Board Book for Babies and Toddlers 0-2 Years Old)
Edwards, Nicola
Hardcover
Happy Halloween, Baby! with Dr. Seuss Babies: An Interactive Lift-The-Flap Book
Random House
Hardcover
Family Found: A Queer Friendsgiving Celebration: (A Picture Book about Chosen Family, Belonging, and Gratitude for Kids Ages 4-8)
McClintick, Joanna
Hardcover
You're My Little Cutie Pie (Board Book for Babies and Toddlers 0-2 Years Old)
Edwards, Nicola
Hardcover