The First World War has left the world in agony. Disillusionment, hopelessness, and horror are rife when a despondent author gets a visit by Father Time and Father Christmas, who come to raise his spirits. He wishes for better days, but the war has taken everything, turning him into a hopeless and angry nihilist. Nevertheless, the Christmas spirit is here to bring hope and another chance at happiness. "Merry Christmas" is a poignant short story where Stephen Leacock unleashes his ironic and satirical potential, together with his usual socially critical tone, to construct a narrative about the erosion of Christmas values. A must for fans of the author and for winter time reading.