How Deacon Tubman and Parson Whitney Kept New Year's

Deacon Tubman greets the first light of a snowy New Year’s morning with a boisterous blend of optimism and slapstick humor. He stumbles out of bed—half‑dressed, half‑confused—while marveling at the crisp, glittering world beyond his frosted window. His enthusiastic benediction, “A happy New Year to everybody, high, low, rich, poor…,” sets the tone for a light‑hearted tale that celebrates the quirks of small‑town life.

The story quickly pivots to a comical domestic fiasco when the deacon’s stubborn boot refuses to cooperate, sending a startled package skittering across the floor. As he wrestles with his footwear and the unexpected parcel, the narrative introduces Parson Whitney, whose good‑natured rivalry with Tubman adds a gentle, witty back‑and‑forth that keeps the village gossip buzzing. Their banter, peppered with good‑natured ribbing, hints at a larger series of escapades that will unfold throughout the holiday.

Illustrated with charming period drawings, the book strings together a series of vivid vignettes—each a snapshot of rural merriment and good‑hearted mischief—making it a perfect listen for anyone who enjoys a dash of humor with their seasonal cheer.