Miracles seem to happen after a mysterious, bearded stranger named Mr. Nicholson arrives in the neighbourhood around Xmas.

From the two-part story "Lassie's Gift of Love." Mr. Nicholson, a toy mender who travels from place to place in a wagon drawn by a donkey named Holly, assists the Calverton Ladies' Aid in providing toys for children at the local hospital. He also helps Timmy and Lassie with their woods animal winter feeding project, until wolves, lured by the easy prey in the area, start killing farm animals. A grumpy neighbor insists the feeding project must be stopped.—LindaY