As you might have guessed, it’s been an extra-special Christmas season for the Barbato Family. The Magic Christmas Ornament isn’t just another Christmas story—it’s a deeply personal tale that has been told in the family for years. 

Family Christmas

“When our children were much younger, we would gather around the Christmas tree after it was decorated almost every night to listen to Christmas music and look at the lights. Once in a while, I’d tell a story about an ornament that came directly from Santa’s own Christmas tree that I found in a knothole in a mysterious old tree in the woods,” Jim said.

Jim and his daughter, Victoria, developed the concept into a longer story to publish. 

Christmas is for Giving

Since publishing the book, they’ve been busy doing interviews, donating books to Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital, and enjoying reading the reviews about how much children love the story.

“I decided to read this book with my 4-year-old and she really enjoyed the twist of the ornament being magic. It was different from many of the typical Christmas stories and we enjoyed the journey it took us on. It says that the book will come with an ornament and I think it will be a nice touch. Thank you for allowing us to read this book.” – Abby B., NetGalley 

The Barbato Family would love to thank each and every one of you who have supported the book through sharing posts, reading the blog, watching interviews—and of course, buying the book to read to your children or grandchildren. 

Happy Holidays

“I’ve seen some people buy three books at a time! Someone bought five books and so they must be giving them to all of their grandchildren,” Jim explained. “There are people all over the United States from Utah to Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ohio. We are touching people across the United States and we are very thankful for that.”

Jim is also thankful for “my family and the happiness that they bring me. I’m thankful for my parents who are no longer with me, but taught me the spirit, magic, and hope of Christmas. I’m also thankful for the good health that I’m blessed to have.” 

This holiday season, we wish nothing but the best for your family and hope you have a very Merry Christmas and happy new year!

Purchase The Magic Christmas Ornament Book Collection (book plus ornament) in hardcover here, or ebook here. A portion of all sales proceeds goes to Toys For Tots. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, or Pinterest, and sign up for their newsletter here.