As we reach the proverbial age of “sweet sixteen” (young for a woman, but old indeed for a book series), it is appropriate to ask, “Why?” Today, when almost nothing lasts and fame itself supposedly expires in 15 minutes, here we have this simple little series of Christmas story anthologies that perversely refuses to die. Like the timeless Velveteen Rabbit, it becomes but more cherished as the years go by.

If the formula could be bottled, it would be priceless. In essence, it would be an indefinable mixture of stories--new, recent, old, and very old--by authors famous and never-heard-of-before; stories that deeply touch the heartstrings, unlock the tear ducts, make you laugh, yet retain the spiritual dimension of Christmas.