Gloria always spends Christmas with Papi, Mama, and Nana. But this Christmas, Papi is away picking oranges and Mama has to work at the hotel where she is a maid. Gloria is miserable when Mama makes her go with her-until they get to the hotel with its lavish decorations and food piled high on the tables. What a magical place to spend Christmas! But then Mama explains that these lovely things are only for the guests: Gloria is to stay in the kitchen where nobody will see her. From her hiding spot, Gloria watches as a girl her age eats a fancy meal with her family. How can one girl have so much while another has so little?
How Gloria moves from disappointment to understanding makes for a beautiful story that honors the true spirit of the Christmas season.
Illustrations by Robert Casilla.