This year more than ever, holiday movies and TV specials offer a welcome distraction as 2020 comes to an end. This time of year, many families gather on the couch to watch traditional favorites. And whether it’s network TV or Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas, the options are plentiful. Most recognize popular movies and characters such as Rudolph, The Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, The Santa Clause, The Polar Express, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and even A Christmas Carol. But in my opinion, there is a Christmas story which holds the title of being the most underrated. Allow me tell you about The Tailor of Gloucester.
The Tailor of Gloucester was written in 1903 by well-renowned British author Beatrix Potter, whose best known works include the The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, The Tale of Pigling Bland, and many more. The story is about a poor tailor who is tasked with making a coat for the Mayor of Gloucester, who is to be married on Christmas Day. Meanwhile, hidden deep within the walls of the tailor’s shop, a legion of mice overhear the tailor’s golden opportunity and take an interest in tailoring themselves. He has the honor of being recognized and selected for this special assignment for a well-known leader of the community. When the tailor suddenly falls ill, the mice take it upon themselves to finish the coat before Christmas morning, as they want to see him succeed.
So, why does this story deserve attention and recognition? By illustrating the importance of selflessly helping others while expecting nothing in return, it teaches a valuable lesson and embodies the Christmas spirit. And because of the mice, the tailor’s life changes forever.
“I would recommend that any student listen to me read this story with all of the accents and voices,” Helen Cooper, East English teacher, said.
In addition, a review on IMDb.com states, “The Tailor of Gloucester has a very simple but charming story, and the writing is remarkably true in detail and spirit to the story. All in all, timeless both in regard to Christmas and in general.”
The Tailor of Gloucester can be viewed on YouTube as an animated adaptation. I highly recommend that you search it out; you won’t be disappointed. And now, I leave you with this quote from the story, “The stitches of those button-holes were so small – so small – they looked as if they had been made by little mice!”