Each year, Patricia Polacco (www.patriciapolacco.com), beloved creator of over fifty picture books, including Christmas Tapestry and An Orange for Frankie, visits classrooms all over the United States. But Christmastime is a special time of giving for Patricia, who fills her old-timey Union City, Michigan, home with the holiday: Christmas trees decorated with timeless baubles in every room and garlands of pine on the railings and mantels. A highlight is when Santa himself stops by a Christmas party at the village firehouse, accompanied by a real reindeer, to give gifts to the children of the village. In some ways Patricia herself is Kay Lamity, a witty, loving woman who understands what a real gift means.