December Summary

In "December", Holling and his friends learn that everyone will soon be taking the Standardized Achievement Tests. The school is decorated for the holidays with a combination of Jewish and Christian symbols, but Mrs. Baker refuses to put anything up in the classroom. When another teacher brings a crock of apple cider, Mrs. Baker has Danny Hupfer place it in the closet, on the top shelf, unopened. Holling notes he is not in a festive mood, either. He has been trying to get out of wearing the yellow tights for the play, but has not been successful. His mother thinks it will be cute, and his father wants him to behave, in case Goldman ever wants to expand his business.

Holling's spirits are soon raised, however, when Mrs. Baker announces that Mickey Mantle will be at Baker's Emporium, signing autographs on the same...