James Kilgo | Author
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Kilgo prefaced the book with a "time capsule" letter to his young granddaughter. He writes to her: ". . . I tell these tales for you." How does the intimacy of the preface affect your reading of these stories?
2. The notion of sacrifice plays a major role in Kilgo's memory of Christmas. In "The Promise" his family made great sacrifices in order for him to see his father on Christmas. What instances of sacrifice occur in the other stories? How does the idea of sacrifice relate to your childhood in general and your memories of Christmas in particular?
3. Describe your feelings about Howard before you learned of his wealth. Did your feelings change?
4. Were you surprised by Joyce's absence from the Christmas pageant? How would Kilgo's performance have been different had he known of her absence beforehand?
5. What reason did Peter give in explaining the cross he carried? Do you view Peter as a fanatic or do you understand the depth of his conviction?
6. Each of the four stories in The Hand-Carved Crèche and Other Christmas Stories could stand alone. How are the stories enhanced, reinforced, and better understood when read in the context of one another?
7. Kilgo described the stories as being about "promises kept." What do you think this means and how does it relate to your memories of Christmas? Of life in general?
8. Kilgo remarks in his preface that "through the accelerating rate of change some things remain constant." He feels that Christmas is one of those constants. Do you think Kilgo captures this passion in his representation of Christmas? What, if anything, has changed about Christmas in your view?
9. The book has been described as redemptive without being formulaic or wrought with predictable emotions and situations as so many books are today. Do you agree?
10. How do Kilgo's Christmas stories compare to your own experiences. What do you find most memorable about this book?