Once Upon a Christmas is collection of poetry by representative writers from the golden age of Midwestern literature, which has a singular focus-the blessings and joys of Christmas, with a poem or two added for the touch of the whimsy, which the season also brings. Among these: Dr. James Newton Matthews, "The City of Snow"; Rev. Robert McIntyre, "O Christmas Day"; Benjamin Stratton Parker, "An Old-time Christmas at the Country School"; William Wood Pfrimmer, "For the Children"; and, Evaleen Stein, "Christmas Chant Royal to the King of Kings."These writers were typical of the first generation of Western writers to distinguish themselves as the equals of their Eastern brethren. Their's was a practical existence-earned "in the sweat of their brow," which was ever reflected in the themes, forms, and modes in which they chose to write. They wrote and sang of their work life, and of their family life, and of the faith and friendship that bound them together.