A Cup of Christmas Tea [Hardcover]

Tom Hegg (Author), Warren Hanson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2003

This heartwarming poem brings the true meaning of Christmas joyously to life. Reluctantly, in the midst of the Christmas rush, a man decides to go visit his ailing Great Aunt, but while there, peace and love and wonderful Christmas spirit surround the two of them as they share a cup of Christmas tea.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In rhyming verse, Hegg tells a familiar, uplifting story of the onerous family obligations that often descend around the holidays. The narrator is almost perfectly happy as Christmas approaches, enjoying the "30 days reprieve ’til VISA could catch up with me." Unfortunately, he has received an invitation to tea from his great aunt, and he has no desire to go. He remembers the old woman "as vigorous,/ as funny and as bright," but she recently suffered a stroke, and he thinks it will be depressing to see her. Before long, though, he succumbs to "an acid rain of guilt" and forces himself to go, and the experience is ultimately rewarding. Hegg doesn’t employ continuous rhyme or meter, so the writing never becomes overbearing or stilted but rather has a conversational lilt. In its first edition, published in 1982, the book sold more than 1.5 million copies, and this reissue takes the shape of a special gift format that is nearly stocking-size and, with its rich red jacket, almost looks gift-wrapped. The packaging also highlights the Christmas colors in Hanson’s fine, minimalist watercolors, which are bright on the golden pages. The beautiful presentation combined with Hegg’s simple yet resonant story may help this book draw an even larger readership this time around.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

TOM HEGG 2001

Noted author, lecturer and teacher Tom Hegg has written PEEF and His Best Friend, the third PEEF teddy bear book. PEEF and his best friend share a series of exciting adventures. Growing up brings ups and downs in their life, but in the end they remain the best of friend. Illustrated by Warren Hanson, PEEF and His Best Friend joins the growing list of titles created by the Hegg/Hanson duo and published by Waldman House Press of Minneapolis, MN.

A Memory of Christmas Tea reveals the legacy of love left by a frail but strong aunt.

A Cup of Christmas Tea is the story of a young man’s reluctant visit to an elderly aunt at Christmastime, and the unexpected joy that it brings.

PEEF The Christmas Bear is a tender story about a teddy bear, handmade by Santa, who is given to a delighted child on Christmas Eve. PEEF weaves a powerful message of love and respect in hearts of every age.

A Silent Night for PEEF is the story that reunites Santa and PEEF. PEEF reveals his sense of security and how deeply he embraces his new life.

Mr. Hegg is the director of drama at Breck School, Minneapolis, MN, where he holds the rank of Master Teacher. He is the recipient of several awards and commendations in connection with his teaching career, including the titles of Teacher of Excellence and Honor Roll Teacher bestowed by the MN Education Association, and a listing in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers”.

Mr. Hegg is a public speaker with extensive national experience. His programs gather around the theme of the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Audiences find themselves buoyed by frequent and hearty laughter and touched by sweet tears. In connection with his stories and poems, Mr. Hegg speaks about living with clinical depression and chronic anxiety. His message is one of constant and abiding hope through the exercise of discipline and Faith.

Tom and his wife Peggy, residents of Eden Prairie, MN, have one son, Adam.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Waldman House Press; 1St Edition edition (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0931674085
• ISBN-13: 978-0931674082
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #710,512 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Magic of the Season, December 2, 1999

By 

Happy Buyer (Vancouver, Washington USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Cup of Christmas Tea (Hardcover)

Tom Hegg's beautiful poem reminds us that people are the true magic of the season and that the best "gifts" can come from the most unexpeced places. This is a lovely book. I bought 7 copies so I could give them as gifts. The story and the lesson are timeless. What a treasure Mr. Hegg has given all of us.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This hits home-probably with all of us, September 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Cup of Christmas Tea (Hardcover)

What a celebration of Christmas and the love felt by older folks. It's Like "Timothy Cratchit's Christmas Carol, 1917" (which I had never heard of until I saw it on Amazon) in which it describes the love the elderly have for their children. Mr. Hegg, this is a gem

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars True meaning of Christmas conveyed with elegant simplicity!, April 23, 1999

By 

"rrr338" - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Cup of Christmas Tea (Hardcover)

I've just received a copy of "A Christmas Cup of Tea" (on a chilly April day!) and have read it over six times. With each reading, this beautifully understated story of rediscovered joy in reaching out and connecting with others seems to reveal a little more insight. This is truly the "Heart Sutra" of Christmas theme books! An absolute must as a gift for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the hubbub of the holiday rush!