Giftbringer tells the story of young Nicholas, a boy growing up during the turbulent years of the late Roman Empire. Only child of wealthy par- ents, Nicholas' yearnings for a life of ease, finery, and splendor lead him into a series of mishaps culminating in a wild chariot race through the Mediterranean countryside. Through many trials, including a ravaging plague, Nicholas learns the hard way that it is better to give than to receive, setting the stage for a series of secret Christmas gifts that will ultimately establish his reputation asthe greatest giftbringer the world has ever known.