The Herdmans know absolutely nothing of the Nativity. As they hear the tale they air their own opinions of it quite belligerently and oftentimes their take on the story has the rest of the parish reeling in shock. But despite their rudeness and lack of refinement, the Herdmans interpret the Christmas story so honestly that their pageant moves more than one person to tears.
This story makes me laugh, and cry, because it's written so honestly and with such touching phrasing that you cannot help but love the Herdmans, ruffians though they are.
