There were homemade valentines and Easter eggs, Fourth of July picnics and family birthdays. Thanksgiving brought visits from relatives -- so many, the children had to sleep in the barn! And finally there was Christmas, the best of all ""times to keep,"" with handmade presents, an Advent calendar, and a ""beautiful tree in a shine of candles.""

Month by month, Tasha Tudor's delicate illustrations bring to life the holidays of an earlier time. A warm-hearted celebration of family and tradition, this treasury of ""times to keep"" will be cherished and enjoyed all year long.