Recently I have attended, and talked to people who have attended, Christmas programs. Having organized many programs over the years I appreciate almost anthing that happens on stage. I understand costume failures, forgotten lines and that small children can't distinguish between singing loudly and simply yelling out the words to a carol. Naturally that makes me a fan of Barbara Robinson's book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
The story centers around a family of six kids, the Hurdman's, who have pretty much raised themselves since their father left. Their mother works two shifts so the kids lack supervision and discipline. When the kids learn that the Sunday School serves refreshments they are ready to join. The cussing, smoking bullies push and threaten their way into all the key roles at the upcoming Christmas Program.
Although there are many problems along the way the program is charming and touching. The true meaning of Christmas rings loud and clear in this story of redemption to the Hurdman's audience as well as the book's readers.
Robinson originally published this in McCall's magazine, it is short enough to read to your children this weekend. Or, read it to yourself when your own Christmas program gets the best of you.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever comes in many formats including ebooks, picture book, paperback or hardcover, audio ebook and a DVD starring Loretta Swift. Every library I have ever been in has copies of this Christmas classic. It even comes as a play script written by Robinson that you could use for next year's Christmas program.
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