Squeezed out of the holiday business by its neighboring towns, Nativity citizens have to face reality as consultant Jake Brisco portrays it. Roni and a handful of other town residents don't see why they have to give up the town's traditions—especially beginning with the tree that sits in the middle of the road where unwary motorists can hit it. As the town's traditions are attacked one by one, the residents, including the optimistic Roni become increasingly depressed.

As the story unfolds, Roni Elliot and Jake Brisco appear to be on opposite sides of preserving the small town of Nativity, Missouri, but by the time it comes to Christmas Eve, they see that they have more in common than they realized.

This is a very predictable, but still heartwarming holiday story. Ms. Copeland nicely deals with what makes traditions sacred and what happens when they have to change. This is a quick read to get you in the holiday spirit; a book you'll want to share.