We began a new tradition this Christmas Eve. I was so excited to do it, and it turned out to be as good as my expectations. That is saying something. Also, drum roll please, this may be one of the few absolutely unique ideas I have ever had.
For several weeks before Christmas, I began collecting books that I felt my children would enjoy. A number of them came from Jennifer's comment on my post earlier this month. Thank you, Jennifer! By Christmas Eve, I had accumulated 15-20 books. Since there were eleven people old enough to read chapter books at our home this year, I felt that was a good number. I stacked them attractively in a large basket and placed a blanket over them so that they were hidden in the living room. In the basket I also prepared a special letter for each child. I ordered four more Christmas story books for my three youngest children and little grand-daughter. These I wrapped with a pair of pajamas and my Christmas letter for each of these younger children.
For Christmas Eve dinner I roasted turkey and had all the trimmings. It was certainly not like Thanksgiving, but we had potatoes and gravy, stuffing, veggies, and a salad. This helped set a more formal mood for the evening and also took care of food for Christmas Day so that I didn't have to cook. We munched on cold and hot turkey sandwiches whenever we got hungry.
After dinner, we gathered in the living room and Doug read the true Christmas story from Luke 2 and we all sang Christmas appropriate Christmas carols interspered throughout. We talked about the true meaning of Christmas.
Then, the new tradition. Let me give some background. At our house, Santa Claus usually brings our children a book and sometimes a movie or other small stocking gifts. I have noticed in the past couple of years that my older children can read their book too quickly, often completing it Christmas afternoon. I thought it would be nice if the quiet reading time mingled with game playing and snow play could continue throughout the holiday week. So, this year I had prepared a basket of the chosen books that I referred to and brought them out on Christmas Eve.
I passed out the packages I had for Benjamin, Bethany, Brecklyn, and Bridgette. They opened their books and pajamas and then ran to get dressed for bed. I pulled the blanket off the basket of books and almost immediately the older children moved forward around the basket. It was so cool! Their eyes were big and they wanted to see what was inside. I held their Christmas letters like a hand of cards, and Dad picked out one letter at a time. The person who's letter was chosen was given the letter and a chance to look through the books and choose the one they wanted to read first. We continued in this manner until everyone had chosen a book. Of course, there were several books left in the basket.
Each person was told that they could keep the book they had chosen, since several children returned home to their own houses on Christmas evening. But, all of them were invited to continue to trade with the other books in the basket as often as they wished throughout the week. It has worked fabulously. My daughter-in-law was frantically reading to finish a book before they left last night. Noelle didn't really enjoy her first choice, so read it all, changed, and read another book yesterday.
I love that this tradition went over so well. After you get past small childhood, Christmas gifts are not usually things that occupy your day like toys do. We played a couple of new games we got, and some of the family watched a movie or two, and we spent much time visiting with each other, but reading our books helped fill in the cracks and gave us all something new and fun to enjoy throughout the day. This is a tradition that I will definitely be continuing.
Before they left, my son said that his wife had suggested they continue this tradition in their own home when their family was larger and older. Then, she said, actually, maybe next year! Sounds like a winner to me!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
The Autobiography of Santa Claus
I realize that this is kind of late. But, Christmas will be here again next year, so it's never too late, right? I promised a post on books I like to read outloud, chapter books, for Christmas. Well, yesterday I read the most amazing book about Santa Claus and I wanted to share.
But first, some of my other Christmas favorite read alouds. This year, I included my favorite old-fashioned stories that are easily found and are easy to download and really inexpensive.
Since President Monson mentioned "The Mansion" by Henry Van Dyke in conference, it has been taking the world by storm. Nothing wrong with that, but don't get caught buying a new expensive copy from Deseret Book. The story is in the public domain, so it is free for Kindle, you can find it in full several places on the web, or you can buy an inexpensive copy at Amazon. (I printed my first one several years ago from a website. It is about 25 pages printed.) I love this story! "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens is also a great story, but do you really know anyone who is a true Scrooge? There were many people just like him in Dickens's England. At that time, Christmas wasn't widely celebrated and many people wanted it ignored. In our time, however, the character of Scrooge is really nonexistant. However, there are many of us that are like John Weightman of "The Mansion", or at least partly like him. He is a good man. He gives to charities, he is generous with his wealth. But, why? What is in it for him? This story is easy to read aloud (or to yourself) in about 45 minutes and will lead to a wonderful discussion about service and why we do it. Also, about serving our Lord.
"The Birds Christmas Carol" by Kate Douglas Wiggin is another great read-aloud. It is also easy to find for download or for Kindle. It will get your children into the mood of Christmas and its true meaning as well. This book is NOT about birds. The little girl in the story's name is Carol Bird. This book was written in 1912, so it is old-fashioned and fun. Both of these books would make a welcome addition to a holiday evening in which a spirit of Christmas is wanted.
Those of you who know me well, know that Louisa May Alcott is one of my very favorite authors. I have a collection of her Christmas stories that I love. They are short stories that stand alone, so you can read one here and there, or you find som of them individually. I have "The Quiet Little Woman" in an individual book.
Now, the book I read yesterday I found and ordered just this last week. I can't remember for anything why or where it was recommended, but I loved it! It is not old-fashioned in the fact that it was first published in 1994, but it covers a great deal of history. Let me tell you a little bit about "The Autobiography of Santa Claus" which I will be reading aloud to my children next year. Author Jeff Guinn spent time with St. Nicholas helping him write his autobiography. It is truly a history book that follows Santa from his beginnings as a boy in Lycia (modern day Turkey) to the Santa Claus we know today. The story weaves his experiences in the countries of Europe and America with the traditional Christmas traditions as they evolve and advance. It is 2 parts history and one part magic, and I truly enjoyed th story! It is a great history book and includes mini-biographical information on many historical figures who helped Nicholas along the way including Atilla the Hun, Charlemagne, Arthur of Briton, Francis of Assisi, Benjamin Franklin, and Theodore Roosevelt. I loved the book so much, I ordered the sequels, "How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas" and "The Great Santa Search". I hope the next stories are as fantastic as this one turned out to be.
Once again, Merry Christmas and happy reading!
But first, some of my other Christmas favorite read alouds. This year, I included my favorite old-fashioned stories that are easily found and are easy to download and really inexpensive.
Since President Monson mentioned "The Mansion" by Henry Van Dyke in conference, it has been taking the world by storm. Nothing wrong with that, but don't get caught buying a new expensive copy from Deseret Book. The story is in the public domain, so it is free for Kindle, you can find it in full several places on the web, or you can buy an inexpensive copy at Amazon. (I printed my first one several years ago from a website. It is about 25 pages printed.) I love this story! "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens is also a great story, but do you really know anyone who is a true Scrooge? There were many people just like him in Dickens's England. At that time, Christmas wasn't widely celebrated and many people wanted it ignored. In our time, however, the character of Scrooge is really nonexistant. However, there are many of us that are like John Weightman of "The Mansion", or at least partly like him. He is a good man. He gives to charities, he is generous with his wealth. But, why? What is in it for him? This story is easy to read aloud (or to yourself) in about 45 minutes and will lead to a wonderful discussion about service and why we do it. Also, about serving our Lord.
"The Birds Christmas Carol" by Kate Douglas Wiggin is another great read-aloud. It is also easy to find for download or for Kindle. It will get your children into the mood of Christmas and its true meaning as well. This book is NOT about birds. The little girl in the story's name is Carol Bird. This book was written in 1912, so it is old-fashioned and fun. Both of these books would make a welcome addition to a holiday evening in which a spirit of Christmas is wanted.
Those of you who know me well, know that Louisa May Alcott is one of my very favorite authors. I have a collection of her Christmas stories that I love. They are short stories that stand alone, so you can read one here and there, or you find som of them individually. I have "The Quiet Little Woman" in an individual book.
Now, the book I read yesterday I found and ordered just this last week. I can't remember for anything why or where it was recommended, but I loved it! It is not old-fashioned in the fact that it was first published in 1994, but it covers a great deal of history. Let me tell you a little bit about "The Autobiography of Santa Claus" which I will be reading aloud to my children next year. Author Jeff Guinn spent time with St. Nicholas helping him write his autobiography. It is truly a history book that follows Santa from his beginnings as a boy in Lycia (modern day Turkey) to the Santa Claus we know today. The story weaves his experiences in the countries of Europe and America with the traditional Christmas traditions as they evolve and advance. It is 2 parts history and one part magic, and I truly enjoyed th story! It is a great history book and includes mini-biographical information on many historical figures who helped Nicholas along the way including Atilla the Hun, Charlemagne, Arthur of Briton, Francis of Assisi, Benjamin Franklin, and Theodore Roosevelt. I loved the book so much, I ordered the sequels, "How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas" and "The Great Santa Search". I hope the next stories are as fantastic as this one turned out to be.
Once again, Merry Christmas and happy reading!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
December Picture Books II
I couldn't stop with three.
These next three are not necessarily less favorite than the last three, as a matter of fact, I think the last book mentioned here today may be one of my very favoritest Christmas stories ever. (Yes, I know that isn't a real word.)
First, "Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend" by Julie Stiegemeyer. I really like this book because it explains who the real St. Nicholas was and how he tried to exemplify the Savior in his life. His generousity and giving heart are what made him the basis for our current Santa tradition. Although I must admit that I get very tired of the commercialization of Christmas, I love the giving spirit of Santa and what he really stands for. When I read this book, I think more of 'St. Nicholas' and of the spirit behind the season.
"Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree" by Robert Barry is just a sweet story about a Christmas tree being shared all around the village. Too tall for Mr. Willowby, he cuts the top off. What happens to that top as it makes it rounds through the forest full of friendly creatures? You will have to read to find out. Fun favorite for very young children.
I can not tell you how great the next book is without you seeing it for yourself, but I will try. The problem is, I have a very old edition that I'm not sure you can get now, but I am going to buy the new edition because I understand that it has letters that were previously omitted. But, I am getting ahead of myself.
JRR Tolkien, the great master storyteller of Middle Earth, was a genius. During the month of December, his children would receive a letter with a North Pole postmark. The letters were from Father Christmas. They told tales of life at the North Pole all through the year: mischevious reindeer, his friend the North Polar Bear, and troublesome goblins who live beneath his house. The stories are magical and entertaining. I can read two or three a night to my children, or more.
My edition has original artwork (by Tolkien himself) and envelopes pasted on each page filled with pull-out letters. They are copies of the original letters and are written in Tolkien's hand. The backs have the type-written translation. It is so cool! Mostly, the stories are just funny and we love to hear all about Father Christmas's adventures at the North Pole.
Next, some great read-aloud chapter books for Christmas.
These next three are not necessarily less favorite than the last three, as a matter of fact, I think the last book mentioned here today may be one of my very favoritest Christmas stories ever. (Yes, I know that isn't a real word.)
First, "Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend" by Julie Stiegemeyer. I really like this book because it explains who the real St. Nicholas was and how he tried to exemplify the Savior in his life. His generousity and giving heart are what made him the basis for our current Santa tradition. Although I must admit that I get very tired of the commercialization of Christmas, I love the giving spirit of Santa and what he really stands for. When I read this book, I think more of 'St. Nicholas' and of the spirit behind the season.
"Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree" by Robert Barry is just a sweet story about a Christmas tree being shared all around the village. Too tall for Mr. Willowby, he cuts the top off. What happens to that top as it makes it rounds through the forest full of friendly creatures? You will have to read to find out. Fun favorite for very young children.
I can not tell you how great the next book is without you seeing it for yourself, but I will try. The problem is, I have a very old edition that I'm not sure you can get now, but I am going to buy the new edition because I understand that it has letters that were previously omitted. But, I am getting ahead of myself.
JRR Tolkien, the great master storyteller of Middle Earth, was a genius. During the month of December, his children would receive a letter with a North Pole postmark. The letters were from Father Christmas. They told tales of life at the North Pole all through the year: mischevious reindeer, his friend the North Polar Bear, and troublesome goblins who live beneath his house. The stories are magical and entertaining. I can read two or three a night to my children, or more.
My edition has original artwork (by Tolkien himself) and envelopes pasted on each page filled with pull-out letters. They are copies of the original letters and are written in Tolkien's hand. The backs have the type-written translation. It is so cool! Mostly, the stories are just funny and we love to hear all about Father Christmas's adventures at the North Pole.
 |
| Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien |
Saturday, December 8, 2012
December Picture Books
This post is a little late. Choosing Christmas books is hard; there are so many great books. I decided to go with books that are inspirational, yet not about Santa Claus or about baby Jesus. Mostly, because I needed to narrow my search down somewhat. I have more that I like, though, and I might do a 'December Pictures Books II' if I get ambitious.
The first book I chose is called "The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalchian Story" by Gloria Houston. This is heartwarming book that has an extra touch in the quaint accent of the mountain people. If you like the Little House books, or pioneer stories, this will be fun read. Little girls, especially will like this story.
The next story is called "Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect" by Richard H. Schneider. I like this story because it is really a parable. When seen through the eyes of human experience, there is so much to learn from Small Pine. However, even small children will enjoy the story and the beautiful illustrations of the forest and the woodland animals and will learn that to love one another is the most important gift of all.
The last book is for all those parents who tell their children, "The best gift is for you to be good and do your chores cheerfully." This isn't really what happens, but this young man learns that the best way to show his father he loves him and the best gift truly is a gift of self. Written by classic author, Pearl S. Buck, "Christmas Day in the Morning" may bring tears to your eyes, but it is not sappy. Instead, it is touching and so true.
Stay tuned. I have a feeling there will be three more next week...
The first book I chose is called "The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalchian Story" by Gloria Houston. This is heartwarming book that has an extra touch in the quaint accent of the mountain people. If you like the Little House books, or pioneer stories, this will be fun read. Little girls, especially will like this story.
The next story is called "Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect" by Richard H. Schneider. I like this story because it is really a parable. When seen through the eyes of human experience, there is so much to learn from Small Pine. However, even small children will enjoy the story and the beautiful illustrations of the forest and the woodland animals and will learn that to love one another is the most important gift of all.
The last book is for all those parents who tell their children, "The best gift is for you to be good and do your chores cheerfully." This isn't really what happens, but this young man learns that the best way to show his father he loves him and the best gift truly is a gift of self. Written by classic author, Pearl S. Buck, "Christmas Day in the Morning" may bring tears to your eyes, but it is not sappy. Instead, it is touching and so true.
Stay tuned. I have a feeling there will be three more next week...
Monday, December 3, 2012
Santa's Book List
I decided to make a list of books that might be interesting for children to find in their stockings on Christmas morning. This is my criteria for choosing this list:
1) The books are interesting to children 8-14 approximately. Before 8, picture books are usually more fun as gifts, and I will have my "December Picture Books" post soon to cover this topic. After 14 children are really ready for 'adult' books, so any great classic or book I have read I pass on to my older children. Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters are great for girls; my boys have loved Edgar Rice Burroughs and Robert Jordan. The list includes various reading levels in no particular order. For fun reading, choose below their reading level so there is no struggle.
2) They are 'fun' books. These are books children will enjoy reading. That does not mean there is nothing to learn from them, it means that they are a great sit-by-the-fire-on-Christmas-afternoon-and-read-a-great-book fun.
3) I did not include anything that I have covered before or that seems like it is already well-known. I included books I thought you may not have read before.
4) Although I split into girls and boys, many of the titles could appeal to both. I have found that girls enjoy "boy" books more than boys enjoy "girl" books, however.
4) This list is obviously NOT exhaustive. There are so many, many wonderful books. Thus the impetus for writing this blog. This is what I had on my bookshelf and jumped out at me. So, it is books that my family and I love. That said, please comment and leave me a list of your own favorite fun books so that I can have some ideas of what to buy my own children for Christmas!
Now for the lists:
GIRLS
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
Miss Pickerall by Ellen MacGregor (out of print, but I read these as a little girl and thought they were great. I'd like to find them for my little ones.)
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr
Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dagliesh
The Frog Princess Series by E.D. Baker - Advertised as being the books the Disney movie of the same name is based on. The only thing they have in common is their name and the book is so much better.
Once Upon a Marigold and Twice Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris
Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye
Katie John by Mary Calhoun (Out of print, but such a fabulous book!)
Three Good Deeds by Vivian Vande Velde
The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler
The Amaranth Enchantement by Julie Berry
The Peppins and Their Problems by Polly Horvath (really silly but cute)
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
Pollyanna Eleanor Hodgman Porter
Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace (This is a series. The first couple are great for little girls and some of my favorite, but gets very 'crushy' by the end of th series so I don't like the last books as much.)
The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill
The Sisters Eight Series by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
The Pinderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
ANYTHING by Eleanor Estes
BOYS
The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman
All Alone by Claire Hutchet Bishop
The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame
The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling
The Hodge-Heg by Dick King-Smith (and anything else by this author)
Be a Perfect person in Just Three Days by Stephen Manes
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (wonderful for animal lovers, but beware of some evolutionary content)
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
Swallows and Amazons Arthur Ransome
Homer Price by Robert McCloskey
Redwall Series by Brian Jacques
ANYTHING by Lloyd Alexander
Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze by Elizabeth Foreman Lewis
Gentle Ben by Walt Morey
Abel's Island by William Steig
The Great Brain series by John D. Fitzgerald
There is a beginning for you. Please, leave me a list of your own!
Merry Christmas!!!
1) The books are interesting to children 8-14 approximately. Before 8, picture books are usually more fun as gifts, and I will have my "December Picture Books" post soon to cover this topic. After 14 children are really ready for 'adult' books, so any great classic or book I have read I pass on to my older children. Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters are great for girls; my boys have loved Edgar Rice Burroughs and Robert Jordan. The list includes various reading levels in no particular order. For fun reading, choose below their reading level so there is no struggle.
2) They are 'fun' books. These are books children will enjoy reading. That does not mean there is nothing to learn from them, it means that they are a great sit-by-the-fire-on-Christmas-afternoon-and-read-a-great-book fun.
3) I did not include anything that I have covered before or that seems like it is already well-known. I included books I thought you may not have read before.
4) Although I split into girls and boys, many of the titles could appeal to both. I have found that girls enjoy "boy" books more than boys enjoy "girl" books, however.
4) This list is obviously NOT exhaustive. There are so many, many wonderful books. Thus the impetus for writing this blog. This is what I had on my bookshelf and jumped out at me. So, it is books that my family and I love. That said, please comment and leave me a list of your own favorite fun books so that I can have some ideas of what to buy my own children for Christmas!
Now for the lists:
GIRLS
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
Miss Pickerall by Ellen MacGregor (out of print, but I read these as a little girl and thought they were great. I'd like to find them for my little ones.)
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr
Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dagliesh
The Frog Princess Series by E.D. Baker - Advertised as being the books the Disney movie of the same name is based on. The only thing they have in common is their name and the book is so much better.
Once Upon a Marigold and Twice Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris
Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye
Katie John by Mary Calhoun (Out of print, but such a fabulous book!)
Three Good Deeds by Vivian Vande Velde
The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler
The Amaranth Enchantement by Julie Berry
The Peppins and Their Problems by Polly Horvath (really silly but cute)
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
Pollyanna Eleanor Hodgman Porter
Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace (This is a series. The first couple are great for little girls and some of my favorite, but gets very 'crushy' by the end of th series so I don't like the last books as much.)
The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill
The Sisters Eight Series by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
The Pinderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
ANYTHING by Eleanor Estes
BOYS
The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman
All Alone by Claire Hutchet Bishop
The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame
The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling
The Hodge-Heg by Dick King-Smith (and anything else by this author)
Be a Perfect person in Just Three Days by Stephen Manes
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (wonderful for animal lovers, but beware of some evolutionary content)
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
Swallows and Amazons Arthur Ransome
Homer Price by Robert McCloskey
Redwall Series by Brian Jacques
ANYTHING by Lloyd Alexander
Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze by Elizabeth Foreman Lewis
Gentle Ben by Walt Morey
Abel's Island by William Steig
The Great Brain series by John D. Fitzgerald
There is a beginning for you. Please, leave me a list of your own!
Merry Christmas!!!
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