A long-standing feud between two boys from different backgrounds is challenged when they are forced into proximity during the holiday season. DJ, a farm boy, and Rodney, an aspiring writer, find themselves at odds due to the social tensions of their environment. Their parents mandate that the two spend time together to resolve their conflicts, creating a forced social dynamic. The narrative follows their reluctant interaction as they navigate the physical landscape of their rural home and the logical constraints of their differing perspectives. Their objective shifts from mutual hostility to cooperation when they encounter a wounded puppy, which serves as the catalyst for their evolving relationship.

Readers frequently highlight the straightforward, sentimental nature of the narrative. Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of the central friendship as a vehicle for exploring social themes in a rural setting. Critics note that the pacing remains consistent, focusing heavily on the internal growth of the two protagonists rather than external action. The atmosphere is often described as nostalgic and focused on the spirit of the holiday season. Many readers appreciate the simplicity of the moral lessons presented throughout the text.