The Christmas Dream of Little Charles

On Christmas Eve, kind-hearted young Charles Estabrook hangs his stocking and falls asleep, dreaming of the magical visitor who will fill it. Charles loves horses, eagerly cares for animals, and looks after his sister Lizzy, but he worries that neglected Latin lessons may count against him when St. Nicholas arrives.

Down the chimney comes a wonderfully comic Santa Claus on a pony, with crackers in his hair, sugar-plums in his mouth, and pockets stuffed with gifts. As Charles listens, the old gentleman explains which children have earned toys through honesty, kindness, patience, study, and good behavior—and which gifts have been withheld because of mischief. Filled with lively humor, charming illustrations in words, and a gentle moral lesson, this cozy Christmas tale invites listeners into a child’s vivid imagination, where every stocking reflects the character of its owner.