A Cup of Christmas Tea (Hardcover)

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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.

Product Description

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.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Waldman House Press; Fifth Printing edition (October 1992)
• 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: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #327,513 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Magic of the Season, December 3, 1999

By	Buitseach (Vancouver, Washington USA) - See all my reviews

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.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This hits home-probably with all of us, September 22, 1999

By A Customer

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

10 of 10 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" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

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!