As a child, T.F. Scott played around a long row of trees that were about seven feet tall and ran along both sides of a path. One particular Christmas Eve, walking through this area, he imagined these trees were beautiful Christmas trees that were decorated with lights of all colors, blinking and shining brightly. About that same time, heavy snow started to fall, unusual during that time of year in east Tennessee, which only enhanced the whole effect of that special night.
For Christmas Tree Row, T.F. Scott came up with Atkins City, which is very much like his own hometown of Athens. The characters in this book are fictitious except for Nathan, who was inspired by Scott's own son, a goodhearted young man who loves Christmas.
Christmas Tree Row was written for everyone of all ages, at a time when our economy, our hatred for race, our religious persecution has put us at odds with one another. During the Great Depression, when people all over our nation were feeling the strain, hopelessness, and worry--just about everything that is happening today--they could find peace, strength, and comfort through family, hope, and prayer.
And what a better time of year than Christmas? For many, it's a day of merriment and giving of thanks, marked by gatherings with friends and family, shared meals, and the exchange of gifts. Christmas Tree Row is a little different, seen through the eyes of a twelve-year-old boy, Nathan Davis.
