On the cold night before Christmas, a mother, father and two children drive their pickup truck out from the city to a forested area to find a perfect Christmas tree. Instead of cutting it down, however, they decorate it with apples, tangerines, balls of sunflower seeds and pressed millet, and a popcorn chain. They enjoy a picnic by moonlight before leaving the tree as a gift to the forest animals. The deep solitude of the forest on a winter night is aptly depicted with dark blues and greens in double-page watercolor illustrations, highlighted with bright red and pink clothing worn by the family members. The understated story provides a satisfying blend of traditional values and original expressions of generosity and celebration. (Ages 3-7)