I hope you are prepared for unwrapping some delicious interviews, guest posts, reviews, and trying to win some of the wonderful prizes that we will have!
So to kick it all of, I want to introduce you to some of my favorite Christmas books:
The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell
Description:
The classic Christmas story tells of an adorable little angel who just cannot stay out of trouble in the celestial city. When the Christ child is born, the mischievous angel learns the timeless lesson of giving, a lesson that has long endured as the true spirit of Christmas.
Why?
First, I'm biased. I played the Angel Love in this play, but the whole story is a beautiful story. The lessons that are learned through this book are told in a cute way that, even after we grow up, we still remember.
There Was No Snow on Christmas Eve by Pam Munoz Ryan
Description:
There was no snow on Christmas Eve. Instead, a desert zephyr blew And palm fronds sang a rustling tune To welcome the awaited birth. There was no snow, no fireplace, no need for woolen caps and gloves on that very first Christmas. Instead there was a humble stable, and weary travelers with light robes and sandals on a desert night. This luminous picture book manages to take the familiar story of the Nativity and make it fresh and immediate, reminding young children of the miracle of Christmas and the true nature of the spirit of the season, no matter what the weather.
Why?
Everyone has a picture of what they think the first Christmas was like. We see movies and story books all give different ideas. I love Ms. Ryan's take on the First Christmas. It is the perfect book for any Christmas (white, green, brown, desert or tropical island), and with the beautiful pictures in it, you can't help but wish to be there.
The Legend of St. Nicholas by Dandi Daley Mackall
Description:
This gentle Christmas book introduces the original St. Nicholas and tells why we give gifts in remembrance of the greatest gift of all. Nick is much more interested in contemplating his presents under the tree than he is in being dragged along for last-minute shopping with his dad. But while his father’s off shopping, Nick hears someone say his name—it’s a mall Santa, telling a group of children a story about the original St. Nick. In the long-ago story, a wealthy boy named Nicholas is moved by the sight of poor children and decides to use his family’s wealth to help the needy, starting anonymously with his less-fortunate friends. Young Nick is inspired as at last he—and young readers—understand the joy of giving. A note at the end explains how the story of this early Nicholas might have grown into the Santa Claus of legend.
Why?
And for those of us who love the story of St. Nicholas, and want our children to know the true story of "Santa Claus", I think this is a great book to use. I have always loved the story of St. Nicholas (the man, not the fat jolly man that can scare younger kids!), and this beautifully illustrated story just reminds us of what Christmas is really about.
Happy Reading!
Cana
