“Yes, Virginia — The Story Behind the Letter That Still Warms the World”

A Black & White Holiday Feature

As Christmas draws near each year, I find myself returning to a handful of stories that never lose their warmth — stories that remind us of who we were, who we are, and who we still hope to be. One of those is the classic newspaper reply known today simply as “Yes, Virginia.”

If you’ve ever paused during the holiday bustle and wondered where the magic of Christmas hides itself these days — haven’t we all felt that? — the history of this little letter has a way of lighting the lantern again. And like all good stories, there’s more to it than most folks remember.

Here is the story behind the story — the people, the newspaper, the unlikely pairing, and the words that continue to shine like a window candle more than a century later.

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A Cozy Basket of Free Christmas Stories & Features for You

Heartwarming Holiday Tales, Seasonal Features, and Festive Reads to Enjoy This December

The Christmas season has arrived again — lights twinkling in windows, cookie tins appearing on counters, and December settling over everything like a soft quilt. And after easing my way back into writing the other day, it felt like the right moment to open the doors wide and share something a little cheerful, a little familiar, and maybe even a little fun.

So today, I’ve gathered together a warm basketful of past Christmas and Holiday Features from the Writing Pages — stories, poems, memories, and old-time favorites all in one easy place. Think of it as a “help yourself” buffet of seasonal comfort. No need to dress up. Pajamas are fully acceptable.

Little Red Bear wandered in while I was putting this together, just to see what all the fuss was about. When he realized I was collecting Christmas pieces for folks to enjoy, he gave me a gentle poke and said, “Now, don’t go forgettin’ my Happy Christmas Left/Right Gift Exchange Game. Folks always seem to have a good time with that one.”

He’s right — it’s one of the most popular little treasures we’ve ever shared, so it’s tucked safely into the basket for you. Just be ready for a bit of silliness… and maybe a few giggles as the game bounces left and right and back again.

So pour a cup of something warm, find a comfy chair, and settle in. Whether you’re looking for a smile, a bit of nostalgia, or something to share with little ones, I hope this collection adds a touch of brightness to your day.

And if a stray cookie or two goes missing while you’re reading… well, Red has been known to wander.

 

 

Christmas Holiday Writing Features & Gallery Summary Page
“Love’s Candle in the Night Poem”
“The General Store Christmas Poem”
“Fireside Questions for Santa Poem”
“Blue House on the Hill” — a Christmas Poem
“What To Do On A Christmas Week Night?” — A Christmas Poem
“Christmas Thru The Window Glass” — A Nostalgic Look Back at Christmases of My Childhood
“Christmases Of My Childhood” by the Award-winning Author Kathleen Creighton
“Christmas — It’s in the Singing Of A Street Corner Choir . . .”  Featuring The Muppets
“Haddon Sundblom, Coca-Cola, and Santa Claus” — About How the Well-known Modern Image of Santa Claus Came To Be
“Christmas Trains and Memories Beneath the Tree”
“That’s What Christmas Is All About, Charlie Brown . . . .”
“Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus . . . . . . And So Much More!”
“Deciphering Old-fashioned Terms In Favorite Christmas Carol Lyrics”
“Susie’s Bear” — a Holiday Season Short Story
“Little Red Bear’s “Christmas & Holiday Season” Coloring Pages for All Ages”
“Pine Holler Christmas” — a short story for the holiday season featuring Little Red Bear and his friends, available on Amazon for Kindle and eReaders

Little Red Bear asked me very politely—well, as politely as a bear hopped up on Christmas excitement can manage—to be sure this favorite made it into the basket. His Happy Christmas Left/Right Gift Exchange Game is one of the most-visited features on the Pages every year, and if you’re looking for a good laugh with family or friends, it’s ready and waiting.

Just a fair warning from seasoned players — little ones have been known to insist on reshuffling the gifts and playing again… and again… and again. Holiday joy comes in many forms, doesn’t it?

“Little Red Bear’s ‘Happy Christmas Left/Right Gift Exchange Game” 

Perfect for Family Gatherings, Classrooms, Holiday Parties, and Christmas Eve Fun — enjoy the laughter, the chaos, and the magic!

Tap Here to Download the FREE “Little Red Bear’s Happy Christmas LEFT/RIGHT Gift Exchange Game” (PDF)

 

 

Little Red Bear asked me to remind you that good stories—much like good cookies—are always better when shared. He even suggested I hide a cookie or two inside this post to make things more interesting, but I told him we’d save that mischief for another day.

Still, if one of these Christmas features brings you a smile, a chuckle, or a warm memory, I hope you’ll pass it along to someone who might enjoy a little seasonal cheer. A simple story shared at just the right moment can be a small kindness — and goodness knows the world can always use more of those, can’t it?

Thank you for making this little corner of the world such a welcoming and friendly place. Your visits, your warmth, and your company here on the Writing Pages mean more to me than I can say.

From both Red and me, warmest wishes for a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and the gentle magic that seems to hover in the air this time of year.

— Jim  (and Red!)

And if you’d like to stop back by on Tuesday, I’ll have another warm December visit waiting for you. A nice way to continue the season together, don’t you think?

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