The Peterkins' Christmas by Lucretia P. Hale adapted by Elizabeth Spurr illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin

Mr. Peterkins tags a Christmas tree in autumn in anticipation of surprising "the little boys".   So the "little boys" do not know what the rest of the family is talking about, the older Peterkins decide to call the tree "You-Know-What".
A few weeks before Christmas Mr. Peterkins measures the tree and is horrified to discover that it will not fit in the back parlor.  Their solution will astound readers.  The family has no common sense!!  Another problem arises but "the Lady from Philadelphia" comes to the rescue.
Interspersed throughout the main story are letters Elizabeth Eliza has written to the "Lady from Philadelphia" who is explaining this Christmas tale to her.
Strategy: expanding vocab./word choice
I love the illustrations!