The Birds' Christmas Carol

"The Birds' Christmas Carol" by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a sentimental children's story written in the early 20th century. This novella revolves around the themes of love, kindness, and generosity, particularly during the Christmas season. It tells the heartwarming tale of a young girl named Carol, who brings joy and inspiration to those around her despite her fragile health. The story begins with Carol’s festive birth on Christmas morning, and as she grows up, her kindness and giving nature shine brightly. Ten years later, Carol is bedridden due to illness but maintains a cheerful spirit, using her limited strength to spread joy to others, especially her neighbors, the Ruggles family, who live nearby in poverty. As Christmas approaches, Carol plans a special dinner for the Ruggles children, embodying the true spirit of giving. Despite her illness, her warmth and love radiate as she celebrates the holiday with her family and friends. Ultimately, following a day filled with love and laughter, Carol peacefully passes away on Christmas night, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of kindness resonating with all who had the privilege of knowing her. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Kate Douglas Wiggin was an American educator, author and composer. She wrote children's stories, most notably the classic children's novel Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, and composed collections of children's songs. She started the first free kindergarten in San Francisco in 1878. With her sister during the 1880s, she also established a training school for kindergarten teachers. Kate Wiggin devoted her adult life to the welfare of children in an era when children were commonly thought of as cheap labor.