In the book “The Sparkle Box” a boy named Sam is very excited when he notices something shiny on the mantel. His mother tells him that the special gift is called a sparkle box and they will all open it together later, but she and Sam’s dad must fill it first.

Sam becomes more curious about what’s inside the sparkle box. As Sam and his parents do things to help people in need and the homeless, it makes Sam wonder more and more about what could be inside the box.

When Sam wakes up on Christmas morning he is very excited to find all the presents including the sparkle box under the tree. When Sam and his parents open the sparkle box, Sam finds slips of paper with their good deeds written on them. Sam’s mother explains to him that the sparkle box is their family gift to Jesus on his birthday.

The book “The Sparkle Box” is written by Jill Hardie and illustrated by Christine Kornacki. It is a picture book for readers ages 4–7, but this holiday story is enjoyed by all ages. Depending on where you purchase the book, some come with a sparkle box and you and your family can start your own holiday tradition.