1918: the Christmas Ruthie has longed for all her life and the Christmas she will never forget.

This is the year Ruthie's family has the honor of giving Pine Grove its tree. Last spring before he left for the war, Papa chose the perfect balsam tree from high on a rocky crag. But now, as Christmas draws near, Ruthie and Mama wait impatiently for the Appalachian mountain train to bring Papa home. Even with news of the Armistice, there's no word from Papa. Soon it's Christmas Eve, and Ruthie and Mama can think only of seeing Papa again. But despite that, Papa promised the townsfolk a tree, and now—with Papa or without him—Mama will see that his word is kept. Gloria McLendon Houston's story of the courage and power of a family is as joyful and timeless as Christmas itself.  And exquisite, jewel-like paintings by two-time Caldecott recipient Barbara Cooney capture all the story's warmth and mountain flavor. 

From the dust jacket