At a glance
Samantha's Surprise: A Christmas Story
General fiction
Samantha's Surprise: A Christmas Story
67 pages · First published 1986
Samantha expects Christmas with Grandmary to be perfect until Uncle Gard announces that he is bringing his friend Cornelia home for the holidays. The household’s attention shifts toward the visitor, leaving Samantha jealous, disappointed, and worried that her own Christmas wishes—especially for a coveted doll—have been forgotten. Holiday preparations give her repeated opportunities to misjudge Cornelia before Christmas morning changes her understanding of the situation. This American Girl story combines period traditions, family change, and childhood jealousy in a gentle lesson about generosity and making room for new relationships.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Portuguese Rose Lemonade + Cabernet Sauvignon
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Family conflict and jealousy; holiday disappointment; class/servant dynamics; emotional distress; gentle adult courtship in the family.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Portuguese Rose Lemonade
A bright, refreshing sip suits a wintry evening with a book.
What you'll need
- 1 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice ↗
- 1/2 oz rose syrup ↗
- 5 oz cold water
- 4 raspberries ↗
- Ice
How to mix it
- Muddle raspberries lightly with rose syrup. Add lemon juice, cold water, and ice; stir well.
- Garnish: Raspberries and lemon wheel.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Highball glass ↗Muddler ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Cabernet Sauvignon
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
A slow-sipping glass of wine suits a wintry evening with a book.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Pour cabernet sauvignon into an appropriate wine glass and serve at the recommended temperature.
- Garnish: None.
- Glassware: Wine glass.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Wine glass ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.