Socks for Christmas
Socks for Christmas is a funny, heartwarming Christmas classic. For Andy Andrews, Christmas in 1968 was just like any other ten-year-old boy's. He got the Incredible Edible Machine and the G.I. Joe he asked for. He even got a white belt. He also got socks from his Aunt Jane—unarguably a very lousy Christmas gift—and thought to himself, "Who wants socks?" Little did he know, those socks would change his thinking forever.
In this sentimental and compelling memoir, it's easy to put yourself in young Andy's place. That afternoon, like kids all over the world, he wandered around the neighborhood comparing his holiday haul with those of his pals. While he was out, he saw Timmy and Barbara Johnson, who came from a poor family. He asked them what they'd gotten that morning, and they showed him the black leather shoes both were wearing. Andy recalled an earlier day when Timmy came to school barefoot. He looked at the shoes and said to the kids, "You're supposed to wear socks with those shoes."Timmy burst into tears and ran for the house.
Confused, Andy returned home and told his Mom and Dad what happened. His parents explained this grown-up situation to their young son, and the message of that afternoon has remained with Andy ever since.
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Testimonials
"Last year I began a new Thanksgiving tradition using Socks For Christmas with my family and my high school students. I purchased over 30 white athletic socks and tied them with colorful ribbon. I placed them at the table setting of each person for Thanksgiving to the left, next to the napkins. Seeing the socks as part of the table setting had the many family members guessing as to what I was up to.
After everyone was seated I stood and read Socks For Christmas. The prayer following was for "mindfulness during the holidays, and all year long, of the simple things we take for granted that are luxuries to others and asking for a grateful heart—even for a simple pair of socks." I related to everyone that this was their first Christmas present and encouraged everyone to notice the feet of others and to be discerning of the needs of others less fortunate. Thank you for a powerful message of kindness and compassion for those less fortunate that goes beyond age or culture!!!""
— Madeline Turner
Marietta, GA
"Andy, after hearing your book on Rick and Bubba, it brought back so many happy and not so happy memories of my childhood. I had to share it with my son, wife and my friends and coworkers. It reminds us what it important in our lives. Let's just say that everyone got a pair of socks and your book Socks For Christmas this year."
— Robbie Howerton
Helena, AL
