The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t is the latest story from Laura Alary that speaks to readers of all ages. Aidan’s city is hit by an ice storm just before Christmas, canceling plans and creating disappointment. Many adults may recall that actual event in 2013 that inspired this story! But the story does more than recount mishaps. It shows how unexpected disruptions can open the door to kindness, community, and a deeper sense of what Christmas is really about.

Children will relate to Aidan’s frustration, and adults will recognize the gap between the nostalgic, perfect Christmas we imagine and the messy, unpredictable reality that often unfolds. Through small acts of generosity, neighborhood gatherings, and hearing the Christmas story, Aidan learns that disappointment can become a way to encounter God’s presence.

The story points to why Jesus’ birth was such a profound event. Like Aidan’s disrupted Christmas, the first Christmas happened in a time of uncertainty, humble circumstances, and imperfection. God chose to enter the world in the midst of ordinary, messy life, showing that even when things don’t go as planned, God is at work, bringing hope, connection, and joy.

The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t invites both children and adults to see that Christmas is about presence, grace, and the quiet ways God shows up when life surprises us.

Grab your copy from Bernice at Read On Bookstore today!