Unless we are psychic, only a few of us know what our parents and Santa will give us for the holidays (or we know the gifts because, like my parents, they got things I asked for). But the one thing the narrator of this story does not want, regardless of the situation, is socks. But since this book is tilted, Socks: A Kid’s Christmas Lament, we know that is the one thing he does get.
J.D. McPherson explores how the joy of Christmas might be dampened by the lack of toys and the abundance of socks. Except, of course, our narrator will realize that the spirit of the day is more than ribbons and paper and decorations. You know, the theme (but there are no Cindy Lou, Rein-dogs or trees with light issues). The humor that accompanies the lament (how the kids are protesting and a bit of fighting back) allows for the kid reader to have a giggle or two and a reminder for the parents what kids really don’t want. 
Some of the humor is a bit adult at times (the swear jar is pretty full for only a few impassioned slips…unless the baby sister knows a word or two), but nothing is inappropriate. The text is complemented with old school imagery of Anika Orrock that brings to mind Dr. Suess’ Gerald McBoing Boing and the historical holidays of the past (basically the 1940s-1950s). There is also a few Easter eggs that are a creative outfit accessor of our narrator. One that I think I might need to add to my Christmas list this year (think leather, think jacket, and think pirate symbol).
Read via an online reader addition, though if it is not currently available, it will be soon.