In 1835, Joseph's diaries talk of a heavy snowstorm early in December, so he took his wife and children to nearby Painesville, Ohio. (They were living in Kirtland at the time.) "Had a fine ride," he recorded. "The sleighing was good and weather pleasant."

A few days later he wrote, "Enjoyed myself with my family, it being Christmas day, the only time I have had this privilege so satisfactorily for a long time."

By 1837, turmoil was widespread in Kirtland. Joseph Smith III was 5 at the time and later remembered that he had been promised a little wagon, probably for Christmas. It was being built by a wagonmaker not far for their home, so he slipped away one day and went to look in the shop. Joseph Smith III's memoirs record: "I saw the wagon nicely painted red and awaiting the finishing touches before it was to be delivered. Strange to say, I have no recollection of ever having used it."

What is likely, says Jones, is that the wagon was never purchased by the Smiths. "Money became nonexistent with the financial crash that occurred that winter."

By 1843, the Saints had moved to Nauvoo. That would turn out to be the last Christmas that Joseph and Emma spent together. His "History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" records that on Dec. 23, his 38th birthday, he was "at home making preparations for a Christmas Dinner party."

On Christmas Eve that year, after they had retired for the night, they were awakened by a group of people singing under their window. Joseph recorded their names and noted they were "singing 'Mortals, awake! With angels join,' etc. which caused a thrill of pleasure to run through my soul."

Joseph and Emma entertained guests throughout Christmas Day. Joseph wrote in "History": "At two o'clock, about fifty couples sat down to my table to dine. While I was eating, my scribe called, requesting me to solemnize the marriage of his brother, Dr. Levi Richards, and Sarah Griffiths; but I could not leave. I referred him to President Brigham Young, who married them."

Another interesting event occurred later on: "A large party supped at my house, and spent the evening in music, dancing, etc., in a most cheerful and friendly manner. During the festivities, a man with his hair long and falling over his shoulders, and apparently drunk, came in and acted like a Missourian. I requested the captain of the police to put him out of doors. A scuffle ensued . . . when to my great surprise and joy untold, I discovered it was my long-tired, warm, but cruelly persecuted friend, Orrin Porter Rockwell, just arrived from nearly a year's imprisonment, without conviction, in Missouri."

"Holidays With Joseph and Emma" is the third book Jones has written based on her research into the lives of her ancestors. Her own trip back into the fold is equally interesting.