Book excerpt: The day before Christmas, snuggled on his floor, Bear sleeps soundly with a great big snore. "Dear Bear. Get up!" Mouse shouts in his ear. "We won't let you sleep through Christmas this year." Bear's friends are determined that he'sawake for Christmas and they get him up from his hibernation on Christmas Eve. Bear is excited to experience the holiday with his friends and tries very hard to stay awake, helping to find the right Christmas tree, making mint tea and singing carols. Finally, though, it's his friends who have fallen asleep - and Bear Stays Up! He makes food and presents for his friends, not noticing that Father Christmas has also come to visit. Christmas morning dawns bright and happy for all!