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The Birds' Christmas CarolKate Douglas Wiggin

Classic Christmas fiction

The Birds' Christmas Carol

by Kate Douglas Wiggin

Carol Bird is born on Christmas Day into a loving, prosperous family and seems to embody the warmth associated with her name and birthday. A severe childhood illness confines her physically but sharpens her delight in giving, especially toward the poor and chaotic Ruggles children nearby. Carol arranges a Christmas feast that brings the two families together and gives her guests an experience of dignity and abundance before her health fails. Tender and openly sentimental, this short classic suits readers comfortable with child-illness themes who enjoy generous heroines, contrasting households, Victorian moral tales, and Christmas stories focused on the joy one brief life can create for others.

Paired for this story

Cranberry Carol Punch + Second-Pour Merlot

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At a glance

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Spice0 of 5
Suspense1 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Serious childhood illness and death

Alcohol-Free Pour

Cranberry Carol Punch

Bright cranberry and orange suit a tender, generous Christmas gathering.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Combine the noncarbonated ingredients in a glass or shaker and stir or shake until mixed. Pour over ice, top with any carbonated ingredient, and stir gently.
  2. Garnish: Use a matching citrus wheel, berry, or herb from the recipe when available.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Second-Pour Merlot

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A glass of Merlot makes the second pour as inviting as the first chapter.

What you'll need

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Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.

How to mix it

  1. Pour merlot into an appropriate wine glass and serve at the recommended temperature.
  2. Garnish: None.
  3. Glassware: Wine glass.

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