In this story, a family living in a remote cabin gets snowed in just before Christmas. The father, Mr. Barnes, goes to the nearby village but is caught in a storm. The mother, Mrs. Barnes, and their three children, Willie, Nora, and Tot, are snowed in and worried. Willie sets traps to catch birds for food and manages to catch a rabbit. He also plans a Christmas surprise by making a cake using meal, hickory nuts, and snow. Despite their dire situation, the family tries to stay hopeful and make the best of their circumstances.
1. Mr. Barnes is leaving for the nearest village before Christmas.
2. Mrs. Barnes warns him about a potential storm.
3. The family prepares for the storm by gathering wood.
4. Mr. Barnes advises Willy to take care of Mama and prepare Christmas dinner if he doesn't return.
5. The storm intensifies, covering the house in snow.
6. Mrs. Barnes realizes they are snowed in.
7. The family faces challenges with the chimney, smoke, and dwindling resources.
8. Willie sets a trap to catch a rabbit and snowbirds.
9. The family creatively plans a Christmas celebration with limited resources.
10. Mrs. Barnes expresses concern about being buried under snow, potentially causing Mr. Barnes difficulty in finding them.
11. Despite challenges, Willie's resourcefulness brings some joy to the family during the storm.