During the time of Advent and Christmas the world often appears to be much more peaceful than otherwise. But now and again shortly before Christmas Eve there are all kinds of problems to be solved: Little Francesca is suddenly worries with the question off how old the Jesus Child actually is; in an orphanage a foundling takes care to see that nothing continues as it was; the animals that guard the spring containing the water of life are very worries, because the spring threatens to dry up, and in Ralyi's and Bolyo's family it really does look this year as though Christmas might never come.

Yet time and again the children, the adults and the animals are helped in a wonderful way, so that all the questions are answered and difficult situations mastered -- and that this year, too, there will be a Christmas to celebrate.

• Contains 19 Christmas stories for all ages