Tells, in rhyme, of the year that Santa Claus, suffering from a cold and other ailments, decides to take a vacation at Christmastime, and of the surprising response of children around the world.

Records in verse the Christmas customs of various times and places in the United States.

When Santa decides to take a vacation on the day before Christmas, Mrs. Claus and the elves really have to work to show him how much he is needed on the job.

When Santa decides to take a vacation on the day before Christmas, Mrs. Claus and the elves really have to work to show him how much he is needed on the job. Nestor the long-eared Christmas donkey: A gentle outcast donkey is chosen for the important task of escorting a certain expectant couple to Bethlehem.