Big, plastic Santas, reindeer "whose red noses would put Rudolph's nose to shame," and "speakers blaring Christmas hits" dot the landscape of Bear Country. Everyone seems caught up in the game, all of them "trying for the best Christmas display. All of them were trying to turn nighttime into day."

Not only have the adult bears been swept up in the commercialism of the holiday, the cubs have too. They send Santa email now, instead of letters, demanding video games and virtual pets.

Both Mama Bear and Santa are worried that the "greedies" will spoil Christmas day. When the bears find out that Santa has cancelled Christmas, Papa bear and the cubs get the message and follow Mama's advice about trying to restore the true spirit of Christmas.

But will it be too late? Will Christmas be saved?

Double- and single-page illustrations are done in the colorful, cartoon-like Berenstain style. While the rhyming text does not scan perfectly and is a tad long, the story will appeal to Berenstain Bear fans.

Reviewed by the teachers at Education Oasis
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